Mondilla ends title drought

DAVAO CITY — Clyde Mondilla showcased his big-match temperament, producing clutch shots down the stretch to capture the ICTSI South Pacific Classic crown Friday at South Pacific Golf Club.

The Del Monte ace overcame a determined challenge from Sean Ramos and a late charge by Keanu Jahns and Angelo Que, closing with a two-under-par 70 for an 18-under 270 total and a two-stroke victory.

Mondilla’s three-shot overnight lead came under siege when Ramos seized momentum with a two-shot swing on No. 10, briefly moving ahead. But the multi-titled campaigner regained his composure, drew level after Ramos bogeyed the 13th, then seized control with a near-ace on the par-3 15th.

His defining moment came on No. 17, where he sank a long birdie putt to move two shots clear with one hole remaining. Even after missing a four-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, Mondilla had enough cushion to secure the title and pocket the top prize of P448,750.

“Sean was gaining strokes on me, so the pressure was really intense. But after No. 10, I settled down, regained my momentum and started sinking my putts,” Mondilla said in Filipino.

The champion admitted that his birdie on No. 15, which narrowly missed becoming a hole-in-one, boosted his confidence heading into the closing stretch.

“I was already pumped up after my birdie on No. 15, which nearly went in for a hole-in-one. Then came the 17th, when I sank that long putt. That was when I told myself, ‘This is it. I have to make sure I birdie before Sean does,’” he said.

Ramos, seeking his second Philippine Golf Tour victory, mounted a strong comeback with a 69 for a 272 total. The recent Asian Development Tour winner in Egypt briefly took the lead after birdieing the 10th while Mondilla dropped a stroke, but a costly bogey on No. 13 stalled his charge.

Jahns delivered the day’s most explosive performance, firing a nine-under 63 to climb into a tie for third at 273 with Lee Song, who closed with a 72.

Starting the final round 10 shots off the pace, Jahns mounted a remarkable charge, posting a 32-31 finish under preferred-lie conditions. He nearly added another birdie on the 18th but settled for a share of third.

Que also threatened to turn the championship around, moving within one shot of the lead after an eagle-fueled six-under round through 17 holes. However, a three-putt bogey on the last left him with a 67 and a 274 total for fifth place.

Song, who began the final round just one stroke behind Mondilla, lost ground after a double bogey on the second. A birdie on No. 10 briefly revived his hopes, but he eventually fell behind the charging contenders.

Elee Bisera carded a 68 to share sixth place at 278 with Russell Bautista, who shot 71. Jeffren Lumbo also returned a 68 to tie for eighth at 279 with Ira Alido and Gab Manotoc, who posted rounds of 69 and 73, respectively.

For Mondilla, the victory marked a welcome return to the winner’s circle after a two-year title drought. His last PGT triumph came at Caliraya Springs in 2024, when he defeated Que.

“This win means a lot because I’m back in the winner’s circle. My confidence is back, too, especially when it comes to handling pressure. I also want to thank my wife, May, and my two daughters, who continue to inspire me,” he said.

With his confidence restored, Mondilla is eager to build on the breakthrough as he heads to the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic, which begins Tuesday at nearby Apo Golf and Country Club.

“I’m more than ready for the next tournament,” he added.