Angelo Que rules Masters, joins very elite company

Angelo Que at the Philippine Masters. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Angelo Que opened his final round with a pitch-in eagle from 50 yards to wrest the lead over a gritty South Korean teen, and from thereon, the jolly veteran started his march into history of Philippine golf.

Starting the day a shot behind and winless in the last five years, the 45-year-old Que carved out a closing five-under-par 67 to win the ICTSI Philippine Masters by four strokes over Hyun Ho Rho and join an elite list that have won this event and the PH Open at least once in their careers.

“I knew what was at stake,” Que told the Inquirer after tallying a 10-under 278—one of the lowest at the military-controlled, tree-lined gem in Pasay. “I was just so determined to do it. There are very few players who have done this and I am very proud to be a part of history.”

READ: Korean teen grinds out a 68 to reclaim Masters lead

In the modern age, only Frankie Miñoza, Robert Pactolerin, Cassius Casas and another Bukidon native in Clyde Mondilla have won the Open and the Masters at least once, and coupled with Que’s Open triumph at Wack Wack in 2008, his name will go down in the history books as one of the country’s greats.

Que thanked wife Tracy, kids Chandra and Camillo and coach Bong Lopez for supporting him even in a trying five-year stretch as this victory validated all the hard work he has put in while reinforcing his belief that he still has the game.

“It tells me that I can still compete,” said Que. “Even if some of the younger players on tour now call me Tito (uncle).”

READ: Monsalve sputters but keeps one-shot lead at Masters

The 19-year-old Rho eventually returned a level 72 for the best finish of his rookie season, while Antonio Lascuña rallied with a 67 to claim a third-place tie with LJ GO (71) and amateur Jeff Lumbo (68) at 283.

Que followed up that eagle with a birdie on the par-5 second, before putting the tournament to bed with four birdies in a five-hole span from the 12th.

“That was the real turning point,” Que said of the short putt that touched off that streak at the water-guarded 12th green as Rho parred the same stretch before dropping his last shot on No. 18. INQ