Corpus does just enough for PGT breakthrough at Valley
Carl Corpus bucked some early final round struggles but found another gear when he needed to in the stretch to fend off cousin Aidric Chan and be a PGT champion for the first time after a three-shot victory in the ICTSI Valley Golf Championship in Antipolo on Friday.
Starting the day ahead by four, the 24-year-old had three front-nine bogeys that allowed Chan into the mix, but when the pressure was at its highest, Corpus drained a birdie on Nos. 15 and 17 that not only highlighted a one-over-par 73 but practically clinched it all for a 277 total.
“This win means the world to me,” said Corpus. “This is why we wake up, this is why we practice, this is why we do what we do, to be able to win.”
Chan bogeyed his last two holes for a 72, but his charge made Corpus’ breakthrough even more memorable.
Amateur Bobe Salahog made the biggest move, shooting a 69 to finish third, five shots behind, with Ferdie Aunzo firing a 70 to catch five others for fourth spot at 284.
It was undoubtedly the biggest moment in Corpus’ young pro career on local soil, because he was able to pull it out over a course he knows like the back of his hands.
“There’s no better feeling than winning, especially on your home course, in front of my family and friends,” Corpus, also a winner this year in the Asian Development Tour’s leg in Morocco, where he and Chan won in consecutive weeks, added. “It truly means the world.”
He thrived under pressure, a trait he learned while seeing collegiate action for San Jose State University in the United States.
“Of course you’re nervous; you’re breathing a bit faster and your heart’s pumping,” he said in Filipino. “But we always stick to our routines like we always do in practice.”
Meanwhile, Angelo Que retired in the final round because of a bum stomach but still went on to capture his first Order of Merit crown with Fidel Concepcion, the only player with a shot to unseat him at the top with a win, finishing 12 shots back after closing out with a 72.
Antonio Lascuña, the wily veteran who will headline a stacked field in the Stronghold Insurance Senior Open slated early in December at Hallow Ridge, rounded out the top 10 with a 285 tally, also after a 72.
