Go seizes 2-shot lead in ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship

DAVAO – Lloyd Go emerged slightly ahead of Ira Alido in a scrambling frontside finish in separate flights, carding a two-under 70 to seize a two-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club here Wednesday.

Go navigated through a roller-coaster backside start of 36 with a strong charge at the front, salvaging four shots in two critical holes and draining two more birdies to claim the solo lead at seven-under 137. This moved him 36 holes away from scoring a breakthrough victory on the Philippine Golf Tour.

Highlighting his round were a scrambling par on the par-5 No. 1 and a lengthy birdie putt on No. 4, which Go described as crucial saves in challenging, hot conditions. Encouraged by his performance, he expressed his determination to maintain his momentum and secure the elusive win over the next two days.

“I hit an OB (out-of-bounds) on No. 1 but eagled it on my second ball for par, and made a long birdie putt on No. 4. That’s probably four shots saved,” said Go, who matched Sean Ramos’ 67 to share the opening day honors in the P2-million championship put up by ICTSI Tuesday.

Assisting him in his title quest is his mother-caddie Lily, whose presence provides both support and a lesson in patience for the young campaigner.

Go, priming up for a tournament in Japan next week, credited his short game for his current lead, emphasizing his ability to chip and putt effectively despite errant drives.

“My target is to drive into the fairways but I hit it everywhere. So my short game really saved me, I chipped and putted well,” said Go, who also birdied Nos. 5 and 8 but holed out with a bogey on the last hole.

However, the Cebuano shotmaker faces stiff challenge not just from Alido, who shot a 71, but also from seasoned campaigner Angelo Que, who waxed hot in the last nine holes at the front to put himself at joint second at 139 following a 72 Tuesday.

“I was still trying to re-familiarize myself with the course, which I haven’t played in 20 years. I wasn’t sure which club to hit,” said Que of his first round performance marked by four birdies but marred by two bogeys and a double bogey.

After a two-birdie,