Florence Bisera Surge Secures ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic Victory

BACOLOD City – Florence Bisera delivered a remarkable comeback to claim the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic title at the Marapara Golf and Country Club yesterday. Trailing by six strokes after two rounds, the 28-year-old golfer from Davao fired a brilliant five-under-par 67 in the final round, overtaking leaders Seo Yun Kim of Korea and Princess Superal to finish with a three-day total score of 209.

This win represents Bisera’s third career victory on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour and her first since capturing the 2024 Match Play Championship.

Bisera acknowledged the challenge she faced: "I didn't expect to win because I was six shots behind after two rounds. I just told myself that I wanted to shoot under par on the final day – that was my only goal. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it."

Her resurgence began early, with birdies on holes 2, 3, and 6 narrowing the gap. Despite bogeys on the 9th and 11th holes, Bisera regained her composure and delivered clutch birdies on 15 and 17, posting the lowest round of the day and taking the clubhouse lead.

Bisera shared insights into her decisive moments: "When play resumed on No. 15, my only goal was to hit the fairway and reach the green because I knew how tough the course conditions were. But the putt dropped, and on No. 17, my approach shot landed close enough for me to convert another birdie."

Seo Yun Kim, aiming for her first LPGT title after seven runner-up finishes, struggled down the stretch. Despite holding a three-shot lead at the turn, she faltered with bogeys on holes 16 and 17, finishing at two-over 72 for the day. Princess Superal also faced difficulties, posting a four-over-par 74. Both players ended tied for second place at 210.

Superal had a final opportunity to force a playoff but missed a crucial birdie on the 18th green. Meanwhile, Kim managed to save par from a bunker but could not clinch the victory.

Rounding out the top finishers, Lois Kaye Go placed fourth with a total of 212 following a 72, while Tiffany Lee secured fifth place with a 69 and an overall score of 215. Chanelle Avaricio (217), Daniella Uy (218), Sarah Ababa (220), and Kayla Nocum alongside Gretchen Villacencio (221) completed the top ten.

Bisera's comeback exemplified not only her sharp putting skills but also her mental resilience under pressure, affirming that no lead at the challenging Marapara course is secure until the final hole.