ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Finals Cut to 36 Holes Amid Typhoon Impact

LIPA, Batangas — The final stage of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour (IIT) has been reduced to a 36-hole event, transforming the originally lengthy contest into a rapid and high-pressure showdown. The adjusted format underscores the necessity for strong starts and unwavering mental focus throughout the concluding rounds.

Scheduled to commence Wednesday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club, the finals face challenging course conditions following significant rainfall caused by Typhoon Nando on Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of the initial round. The tournament organizers, Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., prioritized player safety and the quality of play in making this decision.

Julia Lua of La Salle-I, one of the top contenders, supported the call, stating, "It was a fair decision because safety always comes first. It means the next two days will be tougher because every round counts now. There's really no room for mistakes."

Addie Manhit of UP-1, a previous winner at Caliraya Springs and a strong competitor this season, welcomed the delay due to a scheduling conflict with an academic test on Tuesday morning. "I'm quite relieved because I had a test scheduled Tuesday morning. I might have missed a few holes if the first round had gone ahead," she said. "Given the strong rains, I'm glad the organizers made the call – the course would've been a lot tougher."

Despite the condensed schedule, the intensity of the competition remains high. The 7:25 a.m. flight features a notable duel between leg victors Julia Lua and Shane Tan of Ateneo-2, along with UP-1's Katrisse Datoc and CSB-1's Olivia Bermudo, blending individual aspirations with team objectives.

Following closely at 7:35 a.m. are contenders Addie Manhit, CSB-1's Natasha Bantug, Ateneo-2's Tatiana Ong, and La Salle-1's Stacey Chan, making for another fiercely contested grouping.

Lua emphasized her approach: "My focus is playing my own game and enjoying the process. When I'm relaxed and having fun, that's when I play my best golf. Individually, we'll stick to what works for us, and as a team, our shared goal is to finish on the podium. Given the conditions, it's important to stay patient and focused. We just have to adapt to whatever challenges the course presents and trust our preparation."

Manhit highlighted the importance of consistency and precision, saying, "I've been practicing to keep my shots straight and controlled. Our goal – individually and as a team – is to play the best golf we can for UP. Katrisse and I will give it our all, and hopefully, it will be enough to get UP on the podium." She also noted the challenges posed by the wet course and changing winds, explaining, "I have to keep my shots on the fairway to avoid plugged or lost balls. I'll be more observant of wind direction and green speed – those can make or break every shot."

The finals are expected to deliver gripping competition, with student-athletes demonstrating skill and determination as they compete for both individual titles and team championships.

The IIT, co-developed by the Pilipinas Golf Tour, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation, aims to enhance organized competitive golf in the Philippines, offering World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points to provide players with international exposure. This platform offers student-athletes a valuable pathway toward global recognition, scholarships, and professional prospects.

In the men's category, the tournament remains wide open, with Summit Point's course demanding diverse strategies. Among the favorites are Sean Granada of CSB-1, who won the Splendido Taal leg, La Salle-1's Zachary Castro, top finisher at Pradera Verde, along with notable contenders Schmuel Tan (Ateneo-1), Lucas Aldeguer (La Salle-2), Rans Balay-odao (University of the Cordilleras), and Emilio Carpio (UP-1).

Further competitors include Emilio Curran (Ateneo-1), Jose Lorenzo Flores and Miguel Fusilero (La Salle-1), David Guangco (CSB-1), Ricardo Joson (Ateneo-2), Ferdinand Lagman and Robin See (La Salle-3), and Arvin Ong (La Salle-2).

The team competition adds another dimension to the finals. The men's team title is being contested by La Salle-1, Ateneo-1, CSB-1, La Salle-2, UP-2, La Salle-3, and Ateneo-2, while the women's team championship involves CSB-1, La Salle-1, UP-1, La Salle-2, Ateneo-2, and La Salle-3.

As the IIT concludes, it embodies a pivotal moment in Philippine collegiate golf, spotlighting emerging talents and fostering the sport's development through structured competition and enhanced opportunities.