Constantino bucks strong winds, storms back for 4th LPGT win

BACOLOD CITY – Harmie Constantino ended a prolonged slump in spectacular fashion, rallying from three strokes down to edge out Sarah Ababa by one shot and claim the title at the weather-shortened ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a courageous 69 here on Thursday.

This victory not only marked the end of Constantino's struggles, which began in June after a dominant run in the first four legs of the 2024 Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, but it also reasserted her standing as the country’s premier golfer with the harsh conditions further underscoring her resilience and skill.

"Honestly, it felt like luck," Constantino admitted after her hard-fought win, though her mastery in adverse conditions proved otherwise.

"It didn't feel like the victory was mine the entire day. I even had a shaky start," she added, referring to her three-putt on No. 7 after the resumption of play in the rain-suspended second round.

Constantino assembled a 142 total, which earned her P117,000, edging Ababa (75) by one stroke. Florence Bisera shot a 73 to finish third at 145. Ababa and Bisera took home P82,000 and P65,000, respectively.

Heavy rains and fierce winds at mid-morning turned the event, presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp., into a battle for survival, with contenders struggling to stay on course amid the elements. Players were forced to constantly adjust their strategies as the gusts of wind wreaked havoc on their shots, making each stroke a challenge.

Despite trailing by three strokes with six holes to play, Constantino held her nerve. She birdied the par-5 14th to force a three-way tie with Ababa and Bisera at five-over overall, setting up a potential playoff finish.

But a superb bunker shot on No. 16 led to a a crucial birdie that gave her the lead – and the victory.

"I played well despite the conditions, it was tough to maintain momentum," said Constantino, who mixed in a series of scrambling pars throughout the final round. "The turning point was the birdie on No. 16 from the bunker."

As Constantino finished her round, she held a one-stroke lead over the final flight of Ababa, Daniella Uy and Gretchen Villacencio. Not realizing she was ahead, Constantino focused on