Angelo Que surged ahead in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship with a well-executed four-under 68 at the challenging Pinatubo course, securing a three-shot lead over Keanu Jahns, Jaehyun Jung, Carl Corpus, and Christopher Popp on Monday.
This marks the first time the newly introduced course is hosting a tournament of this scale since its unveiling late last year, immediately establishing itself as a true test of skill and strategy.
Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, relied on meticulous planning to navigate the demanding layout.
“It’s all about strategy,” said Que, who carded five birdies against a single bogey. “When I played the pro-am on Sunday, I focused on identifying the right spots to miss on tough holes. If you miss in the right place, you can still save par.”
Que capitalized on his course knowledge, making clutch putts and reading the greens with precision.
“I putted better than most today (Monday), even sinking putts I usually miss,” said Que, who won the Philippine Masters last year. “With the wind making conditions tough, knowing where to place the ball was key. But holing a lot of putts really made the difference.”
Throughout the round, the lead changed hands as players approached the course differently—some opting for aggressive plays, while others took a more cautious approach. The gusty winds further complicated the already demanding 7,400-yard layout, extending its effective length.
Coming off a pro-am victory with Aron Roxas, Ralph Dungca, and JC Quizon, Jahns faced a much sterner challenge on the championship layout. Unlike many courses in the country, where sheer power often dictates success, the Pinatubo course forces even the longest hitters to be strategic.
Jahns, known for his distance off the tee, adapted well. Despite an early stumble with a bogey on No. 2 and a double bogey on No. 3, he bounced back with a flurry of birdies. He capitalized on all three par-5s on the front nine (Nos. 6, 7, and 9) and added another birdie on No. 12. However, a costly double bogey on No. 13 forced him to settle for a one-under 71.
Corpus, coming off a runner-up finish in last week’s PGT Q-School at Splendido Taal, showed poise in his first professional tournament, posting three birdies against two bogeys to remain within striking distance.
Jung also impressed, rebounding from a bogey-filled 38 on the back nine with a pitch-in eagle on No. 4. He finished strong with a birdie-birdie-bogey-birdie stretch for a 33, securing a share of second place.
Popp matched Corpus’ three-birdie, two-bogey round, while Josh Jorge and Toru Nakajima turned in even-par 72s to tie for sixth in the PHP 2.5 million tournament sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
Designed by Mike Singgaran, the Pinatubo course deviates from traditional championship layouts in the country. While stretching to 7,400 yards from the back tees, its real challenge lies in its intricate design rather than pure length. The course blends nine original holes with nine newly designed ones, offering a mix of familiar and fresh challenges.
Unlike layouts where distance alone dictates scoring, Pinatubo demands precision. Its undulating, elevated greens require pinpoint approach shots, while strategically placed bunkers reduce the margin for error.
With at least 15 players packed near the top, the tournament is shaping up for a thrilling finish. While the course has proven scoreable, shifting wind conditions in the coming days could significantly influence the leaderboard.
Veteran Jhonnel Ababa seemed poised for a strong finish after reaching three-under through 11 holes, but his round unraveled on No. 13 with a triple bogey. He went on to bogey three consecutive holes, made a double bogey on No. 17, and closed with another bogey, carding a disappointing 78—one of his worst rounds in years.
Meanwhile, Rico Depilo surged to three-under after 12 holes, hinting at a breakout performance. However, a rough closing stretch—including two bogeys and a costly double bogey—dropped him to a 73, tying him with Zanieboy Gialon for eighth.
Michael Bibat, Fidel Concepcion, Christopher delos Santos, Paul Echavez, Ryan Monsalve, and Guido van der Valk all signed for 74s. A group of nine players—including Tony Lascuña, Aidric Chan, Jay Bayron, Nelson Huerva, Jhondie Quibol, Gerald Rosales, and Nilo Salahog—finished at 75.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Que to see if he can maintain his lead or if the chasing pack will rise to the challenge on a course that demands both skill and strategy.