University of the Philippines’ Addie Manhit capitalized on every scoring opportunity under near-ideal yet still challenging conditions at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club on Saturday, cruising to a commanding eight-stroke victory over teammate Katrisse Datoc despite posting a 90 in Round 2 of the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament.
Manhit, who finished second behind La Salle’s Julia Lua in Round 1 at Royal Northwoods last month, displayed excellent course management and composure in navigating the daunting Arnold Palmer-designed layout — renowned for its undulating fairways, lightning-fast greens, and punishing hazards.
While the winds were relatively mild, the Lakeside course — fresh off hosting a pro event — remained unforgiving. Even soft gusts swirling through the Caliraya hills turned seemingly routine holes into delicate tests of shot control and accuracy.
Despite the tricky breeze, Manhit — a BS Biology student known for her consistent ball-striking and fierce competitive drive — relied on her instincts and played with calculated restraint. Her ability to minimize mistakes on a layout that punished the slightest misjudgment allowed her to outclass the field and clinch her first win of the season.
She also spearheaded UP’s team victory alongside Datoc, who turned in a 98. Their combined 188 secured the team crown in the second leg of this course-hopping series, co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation.
La Salle’s Janine Yusay struggled to adapt to the gusty conditions, carding a 101 to settle for third. The Taft-based squad also suffered from the absence of ace Julia Lua, who won the tournament’s pre-launch event at Sherwood Hills and dominated Round 1 at Royal Northwoods.
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Lua was sidelined in Round 2 due to dengue but confirmed her return for Round 3, set on Monday (Aug. 11) at the wind-exposed fairways of Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, where both the men’s and women’s competitions will resume.
College of St. Benilde’s Natasha Bantug placed fourth with a 102, followed by La Salle’s Stacey Chan (104), Margarita Bautista (108), and UP’s Alyanna Yatco (109). Completing the leaderboard were Maddie Valderrama (112), Kristyanna Herrera (113), and Michelle Cuenca (115).
In the team standings, La Salle-1 finished second with a 205 in the three-to-count, two-to-play format, while La Salle-3 placed third at 220.
UP’s dominant showing now sets the stage for a pivotal showdown at Pradera Verde, as the race heats up in both the individual and team divisions.
The four-round tour serves as a developmental series aimed at discovering emerging talent, boosting school pride, and creating a pathway to the professional ranks. Open to college teams and individual entrants from various leagues and regions, the series promotes inclusive competition and growth.
Round 4 of the men’s tournament is slated for Aug. 17 at Beverly Hills Golf Club in Pampanga, while the women will conclude their four-round series on Aug. 24 at the demanding Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.
The season-ending finals, a three-day event, are scheduled for Sept. 23 to 25 at the challenging Splendido Taal Golf Club.
