If scores are to be used as an indication in the last two day of the ongoing Forest Hills Classic, then the men and ladies pros are in for an exciting battle ahead for the coveted crown before the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour takes on a two-month break.
Clyde Mondilla continues to dominate the Nicklaus layout with two sub-par rounds, including a 60 in the opener that could have been a record if not the preferred rule in effect with Albin Engino, Tony Lascuña and Angelo Que in hot pursuit.
Aside from them, though, only about 20 percent of the field have turned in under-par cards, typifying the the par-71 (playing to 7,105 yards in the current setup) course’s character of being a tough and challenging one even to the best of them.
The tip-top condition of the Nicklaus, says Club Chairman Robert Sobrepeña, is a product of a maintenance program that began two years ago .
“We worked hard and long to improve the tees, fairways and greens at Forest Hills. An aggressive grounds program was implemented right after the pandemic to improve the quality of the courses,” Sobrepeña said.
Also part of this was the upgrading of the facilities particularly the clubhouse, lockers and some tee houses—all for that true golfing experience for our members and guests and tournament professionals,” he also said.
Even players like Que, Lascuña and Mondilla agree with what Sobrepeña mentioned.
“It’s nice to be back at Forest Hills. I haven’t been here for around 15-16 years but I played frequently here as a n amateur. The course in good condition but it appeared easy for Clyde (Mondilla),” described Que.
Mondilla downplayed Que’s observation. “Yes, the course is really good, quite easy but still I have to be wary of some fairways because an errant shot will leave you in hazards left and right.”
“Talagang maganda dito sa Forest. Naka record score nga ako dito nung nanalo ako years ago,” seconded Lascuña, who is actually taken in as one of the coaches of Sobrepeña’s academy at Manila Southwoods.