Pagunsan shoots course record 63 in comeback win at Orchard

Juvic Pagunsan shot a course-record nine-under-par 63 as he erased a four-stroke deficit in the first nine holes, before pulling away in the final half to win the ICTSI-Orchard Championship at the Orchard Golf and Country Club's Palmer course in Dasmarinas, Cavite. That 63 in the 54-hole championship erased the previous course mark of 65 set by Swede Robert Karlsen in the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic. This was Pagunsan's second title in the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) this year. He pocketed P450,000 from the total prize pot of P2.5-million—the biggest pay so far in the 13-leg circuit put up by the International Container Terminal and Services Inc. (ICTSI). Trailing by four against third round leader Elmer Salvador, Pagunsan turned things around with a six-under 30 at the turn highlighted by an eagle on the par-five No. 2 where he made an eight-foot putt that came from a brilliant 6-iron approach shot from 192 yards. “This is one of my best rounds," said the six-year pro Pagunsan, who is a former Asian Tour top rookie. “After nine holes, I knew I could win it." Pagunsan finished with a 15-under total of 201, five better than Salvador's 206 after a 72 to settle for the P320,000 runner-up money. Antonio Lascuna had a 71 for 208 and took home P210,000 and former two-time PHL Open champion and first day joint leader Frankie Miñoza rallied with a 69 to finish solo fourth at 209 worth P110,000. Orland Sumcad also turned in one of his best finishes at fifth spot (70-211), as well as Gerald Rosales (70-212) for joint sixth with first day co-leader Jhonnel Ababa, who also made a 70-212. Anthony Fernando struggled with a 73 and wound up solo eighth at 213 while teen wonder Miguel Tabuena (71) and Gene Bondoc (73) finished tied for ninth at 214. Zanie Boy Gialon, playing out of the ICTSI-The Country Club team, took the low amateur honors with a 215 after a 75 for joint 11th place with Michael Bibat (73), Ferdie Aunzo (71) and Ross Bain (70). Last week's PHL Open runner-up Jay Bayron struggled with a 73 to join Charles Hong (69), Al Cruz (73), Angelo Que (74) and Antonio Asistio II (76) at 15th spot with a 216. – Adrian Flores, JVP, GMA News