STA. ROSA, Laguna – The ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational’s semifinal stage delivered drama, resilience and unexpected outcomes at the TCC course here on Thursday, as Arnold Villacencio and Albin Engino secured their spots in the finals with thrilling victories marked by grit and strategy.
Both players, once considered underdogs, triumphed in nail-biting battles, showcasing the unpredictable nature of match play golf.
Villacencio, whose last Philippine Golf Tour title came a decade ago, staged a stunning comeback after trailing Hyun Ho Rho by three holes after No. 11. The seasoned pro turned the tables by taking three of the next four holes, forcing an all-square match on the 15th.
Villacencio capitalized on Rho’s costly wet bogey on the 17th to seize the lead, then closed out the match by winning the final hole for a remarkable 2-up victory over the 18-year-old Korean.
After trailing by three holes midway through, Villacencio considered quitting due to exhaustion. However, his daughter Gretchen, a Ladies PGT campaigner, encouraged him to keep fighting.
“Pagod na talaga ako at gusto ko ng umuwi. Pero pinagalitan ako ni Gretchen at sabi ‘lumaban lang daw ako,’” Villacencio recalled.
Not only did he persevere, but he also triumphed, capping his comeback with a brilliant approach shot on the tough par-4 18th, setting up a birdie opportunity that forced Rho to concede the hole – and the match.
In a bittersweet turn of events, Rho graciously congratulated Villacencio on his hard-earned victory, acknowledging the stunning shift in fortunes.
Meanwhile, Engino, another veteran still in search of his first breakthrough victory, outlasted Jay Bayron 1-up in a tense, evenly matched encounter. Engino gained the edge with a clutch par on the 16th, then held firm, matching Bayron’s pars on the final two holes to secure his spot in the finals.
“Akala ko talo na ako, pero naka-birdie ako ng dalawa sa back nine at nag-1-up sa huling tatlong butas,” Engino said, reflecting on his comeback. He secured the win with two par-saving putts from long range.
“Talagang binigay sa akin ni Lord ang mga putts na yun, kasi kung ako lang, hindi ko mapapasok yun, kasi hindi naman ako magaling,” Engino humbly admitted, attributing his clutch performance to divine intervention.
For both players, their journey to the championship represents more than just skill – it’s a testament to resilience and the unique demands of match play golf.
It also highlighted their remarkable stamina and endurance, with Villacencio and Engino emerging victorious in the grueling morning quarterfinals. Villacencio clinched a 3&1 win over Dino Villanueva, while Engino also pulled off a 2-up win over Kakeru Ozeki.
With the finals set, the stage is poised for an intriguing showdown between two players who have defied the odds to reach this point. Villacencio’s unwavering resolve will face off against Engino’s opportunistic approach in what promises to be a thrilling match, full of drama, strategy and the potential for unexpected twists.
