Groping for form, Clyde Mondilla spent the one-month break in the Philippine Golf Tour honing his game at Del Monte course in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Now, Mondilla feels ready to defend his ICTSI Manila Masters crown starting April 5 at Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.
The 23-year-old Mondilla, second placer to Tony Lascuña in last year’s PGT Order of Merit, is hounded by poor finishes in the first three tournaments this year.
Mondilla landed 21st in The Country Club Invitational topped by Miguel Tabuena, wound up 38th in the Anvaya Cove Invitational ruled by Angelo Que, and missed the cut in the Solaire Philippine Open won by Englishman Steve Lewton.
Clearly, Mondilla was off target thus far.
So unlike last year when he bested Jobim Carlos in a playoff to snare the Masters. He went on to rule the Calatagan and Mt. Malarayat stops to vault to second behind Lascuña.
Despite his struggling start, Mondilla is listed among the favorites in the P3-million event staking P550,000 to the champion. —ROY LUARCA