Pros resume hunt at ICTSI Calatagan

MANILA, Philippines - The men of the tour gear up for another tight finish after a thrilling playoff duel in Baguio last week as the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour resumes with the P1 million ICTSI Calatagan Challenge on May 8-10 at the Calatagan Golf Club in Batangas.

Jay Bayron rallied from five strokes down to snatch the ICTSI John Hay Championship crown, outlasting teener Miguel Tabuena on the second playoff hole and snapping a long title drought on home soil for the reigning ADT Order of Merit champion.

More of the same finish looms at the wind-raked Calatagan, which offers a different kind of challenge for the competing field with its tight fairways, hazards and unpredictable greens.

Mhark Fernando ruled this leg last year, ending a long title drought on the circuit although the former national champion went on a slump again after that victory, struggling to turn in a joint 15th place finish in Baguio.

But he hopes his final round three-under 65 at John Hay would augur well in his title-retention bid in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and serving as the third leg of a 15-stage circuit.

But he will be facing a slew of rivals, led by Rufino Bayron, Jhonnel Ababa, Ferdie Aunzo, Jessie Balasabas, Jun Bernis, Cassius Casas, Marvin Dumandan and Zanie Boy Gialon.