Granada trims Castro in sudden death for men’s crown
Sean Granada of College of St. Benilde-1 on Thursday nipped La Salle-1’s Zach Castro in the first hole of sudden death to win the men’s individual title in the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour at Summit Point in Lipa, where La Salle-1’s Julia Lua practically strode to a win in the women’s side.
The burly Granada threw away a three-shot lead with three holes left, with a three-putt on the 36th hole sealing a one-over-par 73 that allowed Castro, who birdied the 18th from 12 feet, to tie in regulation after a 71 for 146.
But Granada made par in regulation, and Castro needed four shots to reach the green, with the La Salle ace showing class by picking up the CSB stalwart’s marker to concede the playoff.
“Probably the pressure,” Granada, who started the day a stroke behind first-round leader Emilio Carpio of UP-1, said when asked of his finish in regulation.
La Salle-2’s Arvin Ong also rallied with a 73 to claim the bronze at 151, edging out UP-1’s Miggy Roque and La Salle-1’s Miguel Fusilero, who faltered with rounds of 75 and 76, respectively, in the countback.
Easy victory
Meanwhile, Lua practically just went through the motions and was unchallenged on a very hot day, with a 96 still enough to give her a four-shot win over Natasha Bantug of CSB-1, with a 181 total also over 36 holes.
“This win definitely means a lot–being one of the first winners of the ICTSI Tour is truly an honor,” Lua said. “I’m proud to represent my school and bring its name to the top of the podium.”
While she remains focused on her collegiate career, Lua hasn’t ruled out a professional future. “There are no plans to turn pro just yet, but the doors aren’t closed,” she said.
Holding a commanding lead heading into the final round, Lua said she simply tried to adjust to the hot conditions and enjoy the game. Still, she admitted she wasn’t at her best due to the searing heat.
