BUKIDNON — Familiarity with the tight, tree-lined fairways of Del Monte Golf Club may offer some edge, but Clyde Mondilla and Reymon Jaraula know that it will take far more than local knowledge to dominate the ICTSI Del Monte Championship once again.
The homegrown aces finished 1-2 the last time the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) visited this mountain-top layout in 2023. Yet, heading into the P3.5-million event, which fires off on Tuesday, both are tempering expectations with a blend of caution, confidence and competitive hunger.
“I’m comfortable because this is my home course, this is where I always play. But I’m not taking the competition for granted,” said Mondilla, who delivered a thrilling comeback two years ago with a pair of eagles on Day 1 and three closing birdies in the final round to edge Jaraula by one.
Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.
“Every round is different. You will learn different kind of things,” he added. “That’s why I always try to stay focused. I will just play my game and respect the course.”
While Mondilla takes a methodical approach, Jaraula enters with quiet confidence, eager to flip the script.
“I’m confident because I’m familiar with the course and, hopefully, I can turn it into an advantage,” said the three-time PGT winner, whose local roots remain a strong motivational anchor.
Both are eager to put on a show at home, especially after contrasting finishes in the previous PGT leg at Marapara — Mondilla rallying late to tie for second and Jaraula settling for a share of 18th.
But even with their intimate knowledge of Del Monte, the field is anything but predictable.
Veteran Frankie Miñoza, a living legend and Del Monte icon, returns to action after a long layoff. Though well-versed in every inch of the course, he too understands that success now hinges as much on form and mental fortitude as it does on familiarity.
Challenging the homegrown talents is a loaded field that includes red-hot contenders, decorated champions, rising stars and a wave of foreign threats — all with one thing in mind: the title.
Leading the charge is Keanu Jahns, who has strung together an impressive PGT run — winning twice and placing runner-up twice in six starts. Although his three-peat hopes were derailed by Rupert Zaragosa at Marapara, the big-hitting Fil-German remains a prime threat.
“Same as always, take it one shot at a time and stick to my routine,” said Jahns of his game plan.
“Del Monte’s tighter layout may favor accuracy more than length, so I’ll adapt accordingly during the practice round.”
Zaragosa, the crafty and confident shotmaker who thrives on tree-lined courses, is another player to watch. Fresh off a dominant win at Marapara, he sees similarities in Del Monte’s setup — a scenario he hopes to exploit.
“My game is suited for tree-lined courses,” Zaragosa said. “To win again, I need to stay committed to my process, trust my instincts and the results will follow.”
Veteran campaigners Tony Lascuña and Jhonnel Ababa, both eager to hit their stride before the final two legs of the P10.5-million Mindanao swing in Davao, are poised to strike. Forest Hills winner Guido van der Valk, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and Nilo Salahog round out a formidable local cast.
Young guns Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Elee Bisera and John Michael Uy are also looking to make a breakthrough — each hungry for a statement performance on a big stage.
The foreign challenge is equally potent. American Collin Wheeler and a formidable Korean contingent — Jisung Cheon, Tae Soo Kim, Jaehyun Jung, Taewon Ha — along with Japanese standout Atsushi Ueda — are all primed to spoil the locals' homecoming.
With so many players in fine form and the stakes rising as the season winds down, the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized championship is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable battles yet.