Record PGT run keeps Pagunsan moving ‘4-ward’

SILANG, Cavite, Philippines — Juvic Pagunsan has been so used to winning in varied fashion that his runaway triumph at the ICTSI Riviera Classic yesterday hardly surprised him a bit. But what he had just set proved just as stirring that it could become a norm in terms of streaks on the Philippine Golf Tour.

Easily the best Filipino player never to win a Philippine Open crown, Pagunsan turned the final round of the P2.5 million event into his crowning glory, finishing with a 70 for an emphatic eight-shot victory over Tony Lascuña and a record fourth straight title in the country’s premier circuit.

With a huge six-stroke lead behind a late charge in wet conditions Friday, Pagunsan went through the motions in the last 18 holes – and with no one able to pose a challenge, he came out a clear winner in a rain-drench week that ended with clear skies.

He banged in a side-hiller for birdie from 10 feet on the 18th and pumped his fist to close out with a 36-34 for a seven-under 277 total and another P450,000 in earnings in his final PGT tournament before he resumes his campaign in Japan, his base in the last decade, in two weeks.

But more importantly, he had established a record that could be tough to even match given the level playing field in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“I’m very happy to win four straight (in the PGT). It seems that as I grow older, I am able to achieve more goals,” said Pagunsan, who took a break from the Japan PGA Tour and ruled the Bacolod stop of the four-leg PGT Visayan swing last June. He retained the Negros Occidental crown the following week and made it three-in-row by nipping Michael Bibat in sudden death in Iloilo.

“But I didn’t expect to win this way since the field was strong,” said Pagunsan, whose latest win is actually his second straight at Langer as he also reigned here last March when he beat Angelo Que by seven in a PGT Asia leg.

“For now this will be my last PGT tournament as I head back to international tournaments, especially in Japan,” added Pagunsan, who had also put a lock on the Order of Merit crown with five legs left in the milestone 10th season of the circuit put up by ICTSI. “But if my schedule permits, I might be able to join in other local events.”

That could be good and bad news for the local pros. Good as Pagunsan would be away when the PGT holds a four-stage Mindanao swing next month. But bad after the region’s former No. 1 hinted at re-joining the ICTSI-backed local tour if given a break.

Meanwhile, Lascuña secured runner-up honors at 285 despite bogeys in the last two holes for a 71 while reigning Philippine Open titlist Clyde Mondilla birdied four of the last nine to save a 69 and claim third place at 286.

“With Juvic on top of his game, it’s really difficult to beat him. He’s so good and full of confidence,” said Lascuña, who trailed Pagunsan by just two after 36 holes but hobbled with a 72 as against the leader’s decisive 67.

“I made sure that I would be the runner-up. I believe the third round was crucial, I got tired and lost steam today,” said the former three-time OOM winner.

Rupert Zaragosa posted his best finish in a rookie season marred by missed cut stints, closing out with a 69 for solo fourth at 287 while Dutch Guido Van der Valk, who took the other Visayan leg in Cebu, wound up fifth with a 288 after a 72.

Rico Depilo sizzled with a 68 to tie Art Arbole (71), Japanese Keisuke Takahashi (75) and erstwhile second running Ferdie Aunzo, who skied to a 78 after a 68, at 291 while Ira Alido shot a 72 for a 292 for 10th in this sixth leg of the circuit backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, Champion, Summit Mineral Water, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT and M.Y. Shokai Technology, Inc.