Cebuano golfer Hong seeks repeat in ICTSI Luisita golf
Cebuano golf ace Charles “Chuckie” Hong tries for a repeat performance at the site of the biggest victory in his professional career as he competes against a stacked field in the ICTSI Luisita Championship on Wednesday in Tarlac.
Hong, a product of the Cebu Country Club, went for four under-par cards at the Luisita Golf and Country Club last year to upstage Tony Lascuña and Orlan Sumcad for his third victory.
“I’ve been playing well so far this year and I hope it continues,” he said. “That victory only validated my two other wins that I can do it anytime.”
The Cebuano shotmaker nipped Richard Sinfuego in sudden death for his maiden win at ICTSI Pueblo de Oro in 2012 and rallied to edge out American Micah Shin by one at ICTSI Sherwood Hills in 2014.
But to score a repeat at Luisita, Hong would need to duplicate or better his strong start last year – a 66 that gained him a share of the lead with Clyde Mondilla, Albin Engino and Keanu Jahns.
He did drop to second despite a 68 and 69 in the middle rounds but pounced on Mondilla’s early foldup and Jahns’ backside meltdown in the final day to snare a two-shot victory on a closing 70.
Given Luisita’s tight fairways, Hong stresses the need for solid driving with the Cebuano ace expecting the going to get tougher with the best of the best in the fold and all geared-up for the top P650,000 purse in the P3.5 million event.
“I just need to keep the ball in the middle of the fairway. I can’t control what they will shoot but I can control my game. The competition is good for me and it will drive every one to play better as always,” said Hong.