Carlos seeks payback as ICTSI Eagle Ridge unwraps

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite, Philippines – Rookie pro Jobim Carlos returns to resume his hunt not only for a breakthrough victory but also for a payback against the hottest player on the Philippine Golf Tour as the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational unfolds today at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Aoki course here.

Carlos, who missed scoring his maiden win with a playoff setback to Clyde Mondilla at Eastridge three weeks ago, skipped the last leg at Calatagan, also ruled by Mondilla, but is confident of his chances this week over a course that requires length, accuracy and steady putting.

“The course seems to fit my eye well,” said Carlos, who closed out with 67 and 69 here to finish fourth in the PGT Q-School last December.

The former national champion drew a pair of long-hitting pros in Marvin Dumandan and Rufino Bayron in the 7:50 a.m. flight on No. 10 but if he plays true to form, he is expected to face Mondilla again in the last two rounds of the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Mondilla, chasing a rare three straight title romp, actually would stalk Carlos in the first two days as he tees off in a flight next to him at 8 a.m. with Elmer Salvador and club amateur Dan Cruz, giving the rising Del Monte star a chance to see the progress of Carlos’ game.

But a slew of talented players are also tipped to contend for the top P360,000 purse in the P2 million event serving as the seventh leg of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., including Tony Lascuna, Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Charles Hong, Jhonnel Ababa, jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Cassius Casas, Mars Pucay and Orlan Sumcad.