Surprise win propels ‘Pacto’ to No. 7

Robert Pactolerin’s playoff victory over Tony Lascuna at the ICTSI Negros
Occidental Classic in Bacolod thrust the veteran campaigner to a spot in the Top
10 after languishing in the lower half of the Order of Merit ranking in the
early going of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour.
The win, where he needed to battle back from four strokes down and endure four
extra holes to edge Lascuna for the top P200,000 purse, has put the former
Philippine Open and many-time Masters champion back in the hunt for the coveted
OOM crown with P232,000 earnings.
He remained miles away from runaway leader Juvic Pagunsan, but his recent
victory brought him from out of nowhere (No. 48) and into No. 7 heading to the
next leg of the 17-stage circuit in Iloilo for the Iloilo Golf Challenge
starting Wednesday (July 20).
“I really believe I still have what it takes to win,” said Pactolerin, who
turned 50 last July 3.
The victory not only snap a 30-month title drought that started after he won the
ICTSI Sherwood crown in 2008 when the International Container Terminal Services,
Inc. launched the pro tour with a three-leg series in late 2008. But it also
ended a string of missed cut stints this year, including the ICTSI Philippine
Open at Wack Wack where he reigned 21 years ago.
“I went through a lot of setbacks, missing the cut six times. But I tried to
keep fit and in shape. At my age, I need to be since there are a lot of young,
good players emerging,” said Pactolerin.
With majority of the leading players on the local circuit skipping this week’s
event for the Selangor Masters in Malaysia, Pactolerin will be taking on a bunch
of young and rising players as he tries to annex a second straight championship
in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
They include Mhark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, Antonio Asistio II, Jerson
Balasabas, Rufino Bayron, Jun Bernis, Michael Bibat, Gene Bondoc, Paul Echavez,
Anthony Fernando, Mhark Fernando and Marvin Dumandan.
Meanwhile, the traditional pro-am tournament, featuring guests and officials of
the event’s chief backers, will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Sta. Barbara
Golf and Country Cub.
The event is backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Unilab,
BDO, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, Empire Golf & Sports
Shop, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, Omnisource International, A Round of Golf,
Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports.(pr)