Jaraula holds off Que, wins at Binitin by a shot

Reymon Jaraula bags third career title. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pursued all of the final round on Friday, Reymon Jaraula closed out with eight straight pars, none bigger than the one he saved on the 18th for a two-under-par 68 that meant a one-stroke victory over Angelo Que in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge at tree-lined Binitin.

“I never doubted I could save that par,” Jaraula said in Filipino, referring to a chip from 40 yards off the green which landed inside four feet from the cup. “My caddy also told me that it was the perfect spot to miss [and chip from].”

The Bukidnon native thus clinched the third win of his pro career with a 264 total to fend off Que, who assembled a 64 highlighted by four birdies in his last six holes. South Korea’s Hyun Ho-rho was third another shot back after shooting a 66.

“I felt the pressure on the back nine,” Jaraula, who started the day three shots ahead of Jonel Ababa, said. “I just kept telling myself to score pars in the remaining holes, and it proved enough.”

Jaraula punched a 7-iron from the tee of the 180-yard 18th, only to pull it wildly that opened up the possibility of Que, who finished two flights ahead, forging sudden death.

The season closes out with the Marapara stop next week, and naturally, Jaraula will be shooting for a first-ever back-to-back in his 11-year career.

Former PH Open winner Clyde Mondilla also returned a 64 to finish four strokes off, with Ababa slowing down with a 70 to join Aidric Chan, who fired a 65, in finishing joint fifth five shots behind Jaraula.