Late-blooming Lumbo eager to make PH Open mark
SARANGANI FIND

Late-blooming Lumbo eager to make PH Open mark

By: - Reporter / @MusongINQ
/ 04:15 AM January 22, 2025

Jeff Lumbo —MUSONG R. CASTILLO

Jeff Lumbo —MUSONG R. CASTILLO

CARMONA, Cavite—For someone who picked up the game 12 years ago in faraway Sarangani province, Jeff Lumbo never imagined that he would someday be playing in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open.

A relative beginner compared to the others in the field, the 28-year-old ex-caddy at the nine-hole Sarangani Golf and Country Club (SGCC) insists that he still feels he is dreaming at this point in his late-blooming career.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I really can’t believe it. I still feel like this is all a dream,” Lumbo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies by supporting himself doing other odd jobs at SGCC, told the Inquirer in Filipino on Tuesday afternoon after another practice round at Manila Southwoods’ Masters course.

FEATURED STORIES

Lumbo is one of seven players that will contest the low amateur title, counting 17-year-old girl wonder Rianne Malixi. He is giving himself a good chance to pull the rug from under celebrated bets like Filipino-Japanese Shinichi Suzuki, Jonar Austria and reigning national champion Zeus Sara.

“I hope to catch a few good breaks here and there, because the course is really tricky,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The story of this prized find started when ex-tee boy and pro-turned-businessman Gary Sales brought him to the big city less than two years ago. Sales saw the potential in the reedy Lumbo and gave him access to equipment, practice facilities and even the family home.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I owe him everything,” Lumbo said of Sales. “I don’t want to let him down. I don’t want to let my family down. I’m sure they are already proud of me. But I will do everything I need to perform well here.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The 72-hole championship gets off the ground on Thursday, with the pros battling it out for the $90,000 (around P5.3 million) champion’s purse out of the $500,000 kitty.

Amateurs are not entitled to any money even if they survive the 36-hole cut, but Lumbo knows what’s at stake for him and the others in the amateur race.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Not everyone can win that title,” said Lumbo, who will anchor the Eastridge team in the Philippine Airlines Interclub next month as his swan song before he plays for money.

“That’s the plan,” he said. “I hope to become an Asian Tour regular someday and who knows, this event and the Interclub might send me off [to the pro ranks] well.” INQ

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Golf, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.