Bautista cards eagle-aided 67, seizes 1-shot lead

MANILA, Philippines — Russell Bautista weathered the sweltering heat, shifting winds and a talent-laden field to wrest control with a five-under 67 in the opening round of the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship in Cagayan de Oro, capping a blistering front-nine finish with a spectacular eagle.

The 26-year-old Bukidnon native, now based in Cebu, delivered the defining shot of the day on the par-4 eighth, where his 60-degree wedge from 90 yards took one bounce on the green before rolling into the cup for eagle. The highlight capped a three-under closing burst across his last five holes.

“Maganda ang drive, may mga na-missed na fairways pero nakaka-save-par kasi okay ang bakal at putting,” said Bautista.

Still, the challenge ahead is considerable.

Lumbo mounted a timely charge of his own, birdying the difficult 18th to card a 68 and tie Clyde Mondilla for second, just one stroke behind Bautista. Mondilla had a chance to draw level with the leader but dropped a shot on No. 8.

Jelbert Gamolo, one of the day’s early pacesetters, joined Keanu Jahns, Rupert Zaragosa and Reymon Jaraula in a tie for fourth at 69. Gamolo birdied three of his first five holes but lost momentum when the wind picked up, making three consecutive bogeys from No. 8. He fought back with three birdies in a four-hole stretch beginning at No. 13 to salvage a place near the top.