By Paul David Gelario
Jobim Carlos, the top finisher in the Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit, credits his first victory in 2014 as one of the most pivotal moments of his winning career, during the PGT awards rites at The Country Club in Laguna on Monday.
“After the first win, naging mas confident ako sa laro ko. It just kept rolling after that first win,” the 25-year-old Carlos said.
Carlos closed out the 10-leg PGT with P2,487,083 in earnings, nearly doubling the winnings of second placer and Club Filipino De Cebu Invitational champion Jhonnel Ababa (P1,366,375). He also won the Player’s Player of the Year and the Custom Clubmakers Player of the Year award.
“Naka-tatlo ako ngayong taon. Sa Riviera, Apo, and Iloilo. I am happy with what happened,” said Carlos, adding that his unprecedented victories were unexpected because consistency is a primary challenge.
“Consistency is the hardest thing to do, because the tour is more competitive now more than ever,” he added.
With three victories under his belt, Carlos admitted that he is ready to set his eyes on the international stage.
“Hopefully, I would do well in Japan,” said Carlos, who will be competing in Japan starting Nov. 29.
Carlos’ advice to amateur golfers is for them not to turn pro immediately after tasting amateur success.
“Pro is different from amateur golf. Do not think of money as much, because expenses as a pro is different,” he said
In the women’s category, Lee Ji Hyeon won the Top Amateur 2018 award, while Princess Mary Superal topped the Order of Merit.
“This (OOM feat) is so significant to my career, a big confidence-booster,” said Superal, the former US Girls Junior champion who is actually on the third stage of the Japan Tour qualifying.
Ploychompoo Wilairungrueng, who topped the ICTSI Champion Tour at Manila Southwoods, fell short of toppling Superal with P1,080,150 with last year’s OOM winner and this year’s Eagle Ridge leg champion Chihiro Ikeda finishing third with P933,770.
The 2018 Best Golf Course award went to Luisita Golf Course & Country Club.