DAVAO CITY. – Nilo Salahog waxed hot while the big guns grappled in sweltering conditions, scoring a five-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead over Justin Quiban in a crowded start to the ICTSI South Pacific Classic here Tuesday.
Among the early starters on a steamy day, Salahog anchored his bid on a solid backside start of 32 highlighted by a pitch-in birdie on the par-4 17th of the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates then holed out with a birdie on the ninth to find himself the befuddled leader in a power-packed field in the P2 million championship.
“I actually missed at least four birdie chances from pin-length high,” said Salahog, who tied for 17th on a tight course in last week’s Del Monte Championship but flourished on a long but open layout here.
“The fairways here are fairly wide so the big hitters have the edge. And even if you missed your drives, they don’t pose big problems,” added Salahog in Filipino. “But the greens are really tough and it’s too hot.”
He stood out when the majority struggled on the undulating greens that vary in character and speed, leading to missed birdie opportunities — and three-putt miscues to some.
Two aces out to make up for their shaky final round stints at Del Monte, however, posted low rounds to get into the mix as Quiban shot a 68 for solo second and Jhonnel Ababa carded a 69 for joint third with three others.
