Shin pulls away at Apo
DAVAO CITY — Micah Shin overcame a shaky start with a timely birdie-par-eagle finish before sustaining his charge on the front nine to fire a four-under 68 Wednesday and seize a commanding four-shot lead halfway through the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic.
The Korean-American posted a 12-under 132 total, turning an initially tight title chase into a potentially one-sided battle with 36 holes remaining at Apo Golf and Country Club, where he honed his game.
“I think if I just hit it well, I have a really good chance,” said Shin, who won the season-opening The Country Club Invitational last January. “It’s my home course, so it feels comfortable.”
“Today was actually worse than yesterday, but I got some lucky breaks and made some really good par saves,” he added, citing his composure and timely putting as key factors in maintaining his advantage.
Last week’s South Pacific winner Clyde Mondilla carded a second straight 69 for solo second at 138, while Sean Ramos fired a 69 to sit third at 139.
Jeremy Tandoy and Kim Tae Soo matched 70s for joint fourth at 140, while Jeffren Lumbo and Collin Wheeler shot identical 71s to join Russell Bautista (72) at 142.
Negros leg winner Art Arbole carded a 70 to join Angelo Que and amateur Alex Bisera, who both shot 71s, at 143.
Shin, who started on the 10th hole, parred his first two holes before trading bogeys and birdies in a roller-coaster stretch that allowed Mondilla and Ramos to close within one shot.
But he regained control with a birdie on No. 16 before producing the round’s defining moment on the par-5 18th.
With about 230 yards remaining for his second shot, Shin used a 4-iron to reach the green, then sank a putt from around 15 feet for eagle.
He said he adjusted his line to account for the wind, aiming right and allowing it to carry the ball left toward the middle of the green.
Despite the surge, Shin remained cautious about his chances of adding another Philippine Golf Tour title.
“I wouldn’t say no, but at the same time, I don’t want to say yes,” he said when asked if he felt confident about winning. “I was feeling pretty confident, but like I said, I didn’t really hit it too well today. I just managed the round really well and got through it.”
Last week’s low amateur Jacob Rolida and 2024 champion Jhonnel Ababa matched 72s for 144, while 45 players made the cut at 152, including Keanu Jahns, who struggled to a 79.