Bayron holds off O’Toole

CARMONA, Cavite—Jay Bayron birdied three of his first five holes in the back nine to shoot a six-under-par 66 and fend off American John Michael O’Toole for the ICTSI Southwoods Championship title, the soft spoken veteran’s first win of the year.

Tied for the lead with O’Toole at the start of the day, Bayron picked up shots in three of his first foul holes to get going before birdieing Nos. 10, 13 and 14 to post one of the lowest-scoring victories on the Philippine Golf Tour with a 26-under 262 total.

“It was a battle right from the first hole,” Bayron said of his face-off with the American. “I’m just glad that my irons and putting clicked today. It’s certainly a nice feeling being able to win again. I thought my time was over.”

It was the first victory since 2016 for Bayron, who bankrolled $17,500 out of the $100,000 purse.

O’Toole, meanwhile, returned a 67 after birdieing the par-5 17th even as Teemu Putkonen (64) checked home third.