By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Korean golfers Tae Won Ha and Seo Yun Kim stole the spotlight under the scorching Bacolod sun, seizing control of their respective divisions in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge after a thrilling day of low scores and dramatic swings at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, September 3.
Ha fired a bogey-free 64 to tie Filipino-German Keanu Jahns, who carded a 65, for the men’s lead at eight-under 132.
Kim, meanwhile, pulled away from the pack on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) side with a composed 68 following a flawless 66 in the opening round, moving six shots clear at six-under 134.
Both players displayed remarkable poise and precision on the tight, tree-lined Binitin layout, which played softer and longer after recent rains but offered no relief from the midday heat.
The shift in conditions forced a recalibration in strategy, rewarding accuracy and patience as contenders vied for positioning heading into the weekend rounds.
The 21-year-old Ha, seeking redemption after modest finishes in recent legs of the Philippine Golf Tour, hit birdies on Nos. 4, 8 and 9 before sticking a seven-iron to three feet for an eagle on the par-5 15th. He capped his six-under card with a long birdie putt on the 16th and steady pars coming home.
Jahns stayed in stride with a gritty round highlighted by six birdies and an eagle on No. 15, where he drained a 24-foot putt after a precise eight-iron approach.
Aidric Chan, who had held the lead for most of the day, stumbled with a double bogey on the par-4 seventh to slip to solo third at 133 after a 69. Fidel Concepcion carded a 66 to move into solo fourth at 134, while Marvin Dumandan (66) and Josh Jorge (67) stayed in contention at 135. Defending champion Reymon Jaraula, Carl Corpus, Ryan Monsalve, and seasoned pros Angelo Que and Tony Lascuña also lurk within striking distance.
In the women’s division, Kim’s brilliance stood out as she built a commanding lead in pursuit of her maiden LPGT crown after six runner-up finishes in three years.
“I don’t want to lose this one,” Kim said with quiet determination.
“No expectations, but I think I can make it this time.”
Despite bogeys on Nos. 10 and 13, she birdied the par-5 15th to salvage a 68, proving her composure under pressure.
Trailing her is a formidable group of local aces: Pauline del Rosario shot a sizzling 67 to tie Florence Bisera (68), Sarah Ababa (70) and defending champion Daniella Uy (71) at even-par 140.
Lois Kaye Go followed closely at 141 after a 68, while Mafy Singson stayed in the mix at 143. The locals are bracing for an all-out charge, but Kim’s flawless short game and consistency have made her the player to beat.
Forty-four players advanced past the men’s cut at 143, including amateurs Bobe Salahog (72-138) and Julius Susarno (71-143), as well as Forest Hills winner Guido van der Valk. Former co-leader Michael Bibat faltered with a 76 after an opening 64, dropping to a tie for 25th.
With two rounds left, Bacolod’s unpredictable course and fiery heat promise a gripping weekend finish.
For Ha and Kim, both leading in contrasting fashions, the challenge is clear: stay sharp, stay calm and fend off a hungry field eager to chase them down./ASC, WDJ