Zaragosa triumphs in rained-out final round

BACOLOD CITY – Rupert Zaragosa claimed his second career Philippine Golf Tour crown in a weather-affected tournament as heavy rain brought by Typhoon Kristine forced the cancellation of the third and final round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here on Friday.

The brutal downpour turned the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club into an unplayable landscape, forcing the tournament to be reduced to 36 holes. This followed an earlier decision to shorten Wednesday’s season-ending 72-hole event to 54 holes due to unfavorable conditions.

The decision to cancel the third and final round came after an overnight deluge flooded several fairways and bunkers, making further play impossible. The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. initially canceled three flights, but persistent heavy rain made conditions worse.

The already saturated ground could no longer drain the water fast enough, leading to the eventual abandonment and subsequent cancellation of the final round.

The tournament thus ended after 36 holes, with a score of 66 in the second round of Zaragosa, completed before the storm hit, giving him an impressive six-stroke victory over Tony Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula.

Zaragosa finished with a total of six-under 134, becoming the de facto winner of the event presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

“I am super happy with the outcome, despite the shortened tournament,” Zaragosa said in Filipino. “It would have been nice to complete the full 72 holes, but given the unplayability of the course, I understand the decision. I was ready to compete in the last 18, but I’m just as happy to win this way.”

Zaragosa’s ₱450,000 winnings concluded his 2024 PGT season, with his focus shifting to the upcoming ICTSI Match Play Championship at The Country Club next month.

Although this is Zaragosa’s second tour victory – his first was a dominant nine-stroke win in Iloilo last year – he recalled his breakthrough victory as “more memorable” because it was a four-round event. Nevertheless, this victory is still a proud moment for Zaragosa, who dedicated his win to his grandfather, who is currently recovering in hospital.

“It has been a challenging year for me. My race didn’t start well, but I’m grateful that I could finish strong and secure this victory,” said Zaragosa. He also expressed his gratitude to God for giving him another chance to triumph, especially as this was the last leg of the 10-stage season of the PGT, sponsored by ICTSI.

While it is not uncommon for golf events to be shortened due to weather, reducing a PGT event to 36 holes is rare. The last instance occurred in 2012 at the same venue when Zanieboy defeated Gialon Lascuña in a post-tournament sudden death play-off. was shortened to 54 holes.

Looking ahead, Zaragosa has set his sights on qualifying for the Asian Tour through the Q-School in December, hoping to expand his career internationally.

Meanwhile, Lascuña and Jaraula, who ranked second with 140, received ₱232,500 each. Lascuña, who won the Splendido Taal stage in tough conditions last July, scored a 70, while Jaraula, last week’s Binitin leg champion, scored a 72.

Six players finished in fourth place at 141, including Collin Wheeler (70), Keanu Jahns (70), Russell Bautista (72), Sean Ramos (72), Francis Morilla (73) and first-round leader Michael Bibat (75 ). , all of whom earn ₱91,250 each. PR