Jaraula edges Que with masterful finish to top ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge

MURCIA, Negros Occidental – Reymon Jaraula stormed past his rivals with a brilliant display of skill and composure, opening with a blistering start and maintaining his steely nerves down the stretch to fend off Angelo Que’s late surge, securing a one-stroke victory with a closing-round 68 in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge here on Friday.

The win marked Jaraula’s third Philippine Golf Tour title, and it was a testament to his mettle and ability to execute under pressure.

Jaraula’s final-hole drama unfolded on the 180-yard par-3 18th, where a pulled tee shot into the wind landed him 40 yards left of the green, sparking hopes of a potential playoff with Que, who spiked his scorching 64 with closing back-to-back birdies.

The Bukidnon native, however, showed remarkable poise, producing a masterful chip shot that sent the ball bouncing through the green, rolling past four feet of the hole. After carefully studying the line from all angles, he confidently knocked in the par-saving putt, sealing his narrow one-shot victory over Que.

“I never doubted I could save that par. My caddie told me it was the perfect spot to make a chip shot," said Jaraula in Filipino, who secured the victory with a 16-under 264 total, earning him P440,000.

Que, starting the day five shots back, birdied four of the last six holes to finish with a 64 and 15-under 265 total worth P287,500. Two flights behind the leader, Que’s rally forced Jaraula to dig deep, as any slip on the final hole could have led to a playoff.

But Jaraula remained unfazed, stringing together pars from the 12th through the 17th to keep his lead intact. Even when his punched 7-iron tee shot on No. 18 veered left, opening the door for Que, the 32-year-old displayed nerves of steel, calmly executing the chip and draining the decisive putt.

His composure was further tested when flightmates, Hyun Ho Rho and Jhonnel Ababa, positioned themselves for potential birdies on the 18th. Yet Jaraula never blinked. His ability to maintain focus and deliver in the clutch was emblematic of a player who thrives under pressure, underscoring his fortitude and determination to claim victory.

Rho birdied the last hole and finished with a 66 to