STA. ROSA, Laguna – Clyde Mondilla battled through a tough start to card a second-round 73 and seize a two-stroke lead at The Country Club Invitational on Wednesday.
His resilient performance brought him to a one-under 143 at the punishing TCC course despite a rocky front nine and challenging conditions.
Mondilla, who started the day in third place after an opening-round 70, found himself at two-over through 11 holes.
However, he steadied his game with a crucial birdie on the 15th hole, avoiding a potential collapse.
In the end, he parred the final holes to preserve his lead.
“I’m glad I was able to recover, especially since I wasn’t hitting it very well,” said Mondilla, reflecting on his effort to stay in contention in the P6-million championship organized by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.
The course’s added length and swirling winds made birdie opportunities even rarer, particularly on the back nine.
Despite the challenges, Mondilla’s composure kept him ahead of the pack, giving him a two-stroke advantage over Reymon Jaraula, Jay Bayron, LJ Go, and Aidric Chan.
Jaraula and Bayron posted the best rounds of the day with identical 71s.
Meanwhile, Chan struggled with inconsistency and finished with a 74, while Go stumbled with three consecutive bogeys from No. 15, dropping to a 76.
Despite his tough finish, Go remained tied for second at 145 alongside Chan, Jaraula, and Bayron.
“On this course, it’s not really over, even in the final three holes,” Mondilla said. “The course can turn on you at any time.”
Two-time champion Guido van der Valk mounted a fightback with a three-birdie run from No. 13, but a closing bogey left him with an even-par 72 for the day, placing him in solo sixth at 147.
Keanu Jahns, the Forest Hills champion, recorded a second straight 74, tying at 148 with Kakeru Ozeki, who shot a 72, and Nilo Salahog, who struggled with a 75.
Gwon Minwook, after an impressive opening-round 71, faltered with a 78, slipping to joint 10th at 149.
Three-time TCC Invitational champion Angelo Que endured a tough finish, bogeying three of the last four holes to sign for a 78, placing him at 151 in a tie for 11th.
He shares the spot with Albin Engino, who shot a 74, and Jhonnel Ababa, who posted a 77 marked by a costly double bogey on the par-3 16th.
Defending champion Tony Lascuña also struggled, finishing with a 75 after a double bogey on the par-3 17th.
He settled at 152, joining first-round co-leader Dino Villanueva, who stumbled to an 83, Fidel Concepcion, who carded a gutsy 72, Lakewood leg winner Sean Ramos, who fought back with a 75, and Hyun Ho Rho, who posted a second straight 76.
