Rookie Aidric Chan delivered another impressive performance, carding a second straight two-under 70 to join Tae Soo Kim at the top midway through the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna on Wednesday.
Chan, revitalized by reverting to his old putter, showcased his skills with a birdie spree from No. 12, highlighting his growing confidence and adaptability on the Philippine Golf Tour. Despite a couple of bogeys, he found himself sharing the spotlight in a power-packed field.
Despite an illustrious amateur career and a notable victory in the PGT Q-School in Davao, Chan’s professional debut was less than ideal, finishing 40th at the Apo Golf Classic. However, he quickly bounced back, securing a tie for eighth place at the Rancho Palos Verdes Championship, demonstrating his potential and determination to excel.
“I used a new putter in Davao, and it helped in the first two weeks. Unfortunately, I wasn’t stroking the ball well in the next two weeks, so I went back to my old putter,” said Chan, whose four-under 140 total put him on par with the young Korean.
After a solid 66 on Tuesday, spiked by a near-flawless stint off the mound, Kim faced challenges with his driving accuracy in hot, windy conditions, resulting in a 74 and a tie with Chan. His performance, marked by missed opportunities and a struggle to find fairways, set the stage for a pivotal third-round battle.
“I hit a lot of bad drives on the front nine, and I wasn’t able to scramble at all, so I made three bogeys,” said Kim, referring to his mishaps on Nos. 1, 5, and 6. He dropped another stroke on the par-5 12th against birdies on Nos. 4 and 17.
“The wind was pretty strong, but it didn’t affect my drives. I just missed them to the wrong side,” lamented the 19-year-old Kim. “I just hope to hit more fairways and make more putts tomorrow.”
However, the leaderboard is tightly packed with Clyde Mondilla (71), Keanu Jahns (71), Dino Villanueva (74), and Min Hyeok Yu, who fired the day’s best 68, all tied at 141. Angelo Que, eyeing his first PGT title in five years, also remained within striking distance at 142 despite a 73.
Jay Bayron, also seeking to end a long title drought in the circuit sponsored by ICTSI, shot a 69 to tie defending champion Tony Lascuña, who turned in a 71, Sean Ramos, who struggled with a 74, and Rupert Zaragosa, who rallied with a 70, for eighth spot with 143s, just three strokes off the pace.
However, Chan remains optimistic, focusing on improving his approach shots and capitalizing on his strengths to contend for the championship. His impressive showing, punctuated by strategic play and support from family and friends, underscores his resolve and skill as he navigates the pressures of professional golf.
“Right now, my game is looking pretty sharp. But I don’t think I birdied the par-5s as much as I would like to, so gaining on the long holes will definitely help me,” said Chan, who offset a missed par putt from 3 feet on No. 11 with three consecutive birdies from No. 12, capped by a 30-footer on the par-3 14th.
He hit a solid drive on the par-5 No. 16 but dumped his second shot into the water in a bold attempt to reach the green in 2. He ended up with another bogey, which he recovered with a birdie on No. 1 for a pair of 35s.
“I now know where to be more aggressive, and definitely, I feel good about my game. I just need to improve on my approach shots,” said Chan.
Nilo Salahog battled back with a 69 to tally a 151 and join Kristoffer Arevalo and Hyun Ho Rho, who both carded 75s, and Ryan Monsalve, who stumbled with a 77, at 37th to complete the 40-player cast advancing to the final 36 holes of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Kampfortis Golf, the official apparel of PGTI.
Others who advanced were Eric Gallardo (73) and Min Wook Gwon (72), both with 144s, Mars Pucay (71), Frankie Minoza, Rico Depilo, and Francis Morilla, who all shot 74s, and Guido van der Valk, who skied to a 76 after a 69 for 145s.
