Lascuna back on winning track, wins Caliraya golf by 3
CAVINTI, Laguna—Tony Lascuña kept defying Father Time as he cracked a pair of runner-up finishes with a dominant wireto-wire win that could spur another title run on the Philippine Golf Tour, bagging the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship behind a high level of consistency at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club here Friday.
He closed out with a 69 and beat Asian Tour campaigners Angelo Que and Lloyd Go by three on an 18-under 270 total that included rounds of 68, 66 and 67, keeping his overnight four-stroke lead as firm as he kept his form through sheer training and teaching through the years.
Not even a bogey on No. 15 could derail the 52-year-old shotmaker’s march to another championship after claiming the inaugural ICTSI Match Play crown at Villamor last year as his pursuers all failed to mount any last-gasp attack in baking heat on this mountain-top course.
“I’m so thankful that I was able to win it. I kept an eye on Angel (Que) and Clyde (Mondilla) and just did what I did in the first three rounds – fairways and greens and make the most of my (putting) chances,” said Lascuña, who kept polishing his stroke on the practice green late Thursday when all the others had left for home.
His frontside 34 practically held off his rivals’ charge as he stayed four shots ahead heading to the last nine holes.
Though Que pressed his bid to pull within two in a flight ahead of the championship group of Lascuña, Mondilla and Reymon Jaraula, the Davaoeño ace kept his nerves in check and hit clutch birdies on Nos. 12 and 14 to keep a three-four shot cushion on his way to victory worth P450,000.
“I just stayed focused but it was only after I hit my approach shot on the 18th that I knew I would win,” added Lascuña, who also gained the needed momentum as the Philippine Golf Tour heads to Luisita next month.
“There’s a lot of young, talented players, but I am able stay in shape through training, practice while improving my mental well-being,” added Lascuña.