ANTIPOLO – Pressed hard by Guido van der Valk in a group duel under dark skies, Carl Corpus answered with composure and firepower, outshining not just the seasoned Dutch ace but also a pair of Philippine Golf Tour standouts across 36 holes. With a brilliant seven-under 65, the young pro stormed ahead by four shots over Clyde Mondilla in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge here on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Consistency – and flashes of brilliance – once again defined Corpus’ performance at the Valley Golf course he calls home. He peppered his round with two eagles and six birdies, including a late surge that widened his gap from the chasing pack. Keeping mistakes to a minimum, he turned in just two bogeys on his way to a 10-under 134, seizing full control of the P2-million championship.
The 24-year-old rookie has positioned himself not only for a breakthrough PGT victory but also for redemption. He previously led the elite Caliraya Springs field for two days in August before stumbling with a final-round 73 and settling for joint fifth.
Still, heavy contenders remain lined up behind him.
Mondilla stayed within striking distance with a 71 after an opening 67 for a 138 total.
“My shots were not as sharp as in the first round. But okay lang and the game plan stays – just make a lot of birdies and focus on each game day,” he said, intent on applying pressure over the final 36 holes.
Arnold Villacencio fired a 67 anchored by four birdies in his last five holes for a 139, while recent South Pacific leg winner Jeffren Lumbo rebounded with a 68 to tie Angelo Que at 140 in fourth place.
Que, after a sterling six-birdie, one-bogey opening round, hobbled with a 73 that slowed his bid for both a third leg title and the Order of Merit crown.
Van der Valk, meanwhile, outgunned Corpus early with five birdies in their backside duel but cooled off with a three-birdie, two-bogey run coming home. His 66 still lifted him into a share of sixth at 141 with Fidel Concepcion (70), Ryan Monsalve (69), and Tae Won Ha (72).
Corpus acknowledges that experience – and disappointment – have shaped the stronger, calmer player he has become.
“This course fits me. I’m also very familiar, very comfortable playing here – I know where to hit and miss. I think everything’s going my way this week. Hopefully, in the next two days, ganun din,” said Corpus, explaining how familiarity fuels confidence on a demanding layout.
That comfort showed early. After a two-birdie, two-bogey start on the back nine, Corpus reignited his round with a spectacular eagle on No. 17, launching a solid hybrid from 240 yards that cleared a tree and setting up a 30-foot putt.
He used that momentum to dominate the frontside, rattling off three straight birdies from No. 3 before delivering another highlight: a superb 4-iron from 207 yards on the par-5 seventh that settled 27 feet away. He rolled in the downhill putt for another eagle to cap a dazzling round.
Reflecting on his turning point, Corpus said:
“I didn’t start well enough but I really made a good putt on the 17th kaya medyo nabuhayan, nagkaroon ng momentum. That’s golf, you have to be patient, wait for the opportunities to come. Basta keep doing all the right things, and keeping your mind on it.”
His words reflect a maturity that now guides him – one refined through months of competing both locally and overseas.
Beyond course knowledge, Corpus believes his renewed patience and improved decision-making have become his foundation.
“Even before the event, I feel good about my chances. But I just want to give myself the opportunity, which is the goal of every pro. I’ve matured enough with my game, hindi ko na minamadali ang mga shots,” he said, emphasizing how emotional control now complements his shot-making.
Tackling a rain-softened layout, Corpus knew he needed to make a bold move.
“I made sure my shots weren’t short. I told myself, bahala na – at least if I go for it every single time, I’ll always have a chance. With the greens playing soft, the ball would hold, so I tried to overclub as much as possible,” he said.
The strategy paid off handsomely, yielding five birdies on top of two eagles.
He added that every stroke now carries deliberate purpose.
“What’s important is I’m doing my best at every single shot. I’m confident especially with my long game and ball-striking while I give my putting the best opportunity. My goal is to be in a good spot to take the crown,” said Corpus.
That confidence is unmistakable – especially after a strong international stretch that included a runner-up finish in the Egyptian Open and a fifth-place showing in the Egypt Red Sea Open the past two weeks.
Corpus had earlier broken through internationally when he and cousin Aidric Chan made history by winning back-to-back Asian Development Tour titles in Morocco last June. But on the PGT circuit, a title remained elusive – until now, where everything seems to be falling in place.
Just two shots behind overnight leaders Angelo Que and Mondilla after 18 holes, Corpus surged past them with a lethal combination of length, precision and timely putting. He birdied No. 10, survived a shaky stretch from No. 14, and unleashed his first eagle on No. 17 before dominating the frontside en route to his explosive finish at the seventh.
Forty-five players advanced to the weekend at 150, including Luis Bagtas (74), Josh Jorge (75), Gerald Rosales (75), Gabriel Manotoc (75), Ivan Monsalve (76), Dan Cruz (76) and Junior PGT standout Alexis Nailga (73). Amateur Bobe Salahog carded a 73 but safely made the cut at 143, tied for 12th.
