BACOLOD – The final leg of this year’s 10-leg Philippine Golf Tour kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here, setting the stage for a furious battle as this year’s previous leg winners chase the elusive second title of the season.

Reymon Jaraula enters the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic brimming with confidence following his dramatic one-stroke victory in Binitin last week, where a crucial par-saving putt on the 72nd hole allowed him to edge veteran Angelo Que.

Now, the Bukidnon ace aims to become the only player to win twice this season, a feat that has proved elusive for his fellow champions.

That quest for a second win has been a persistent challenge for previous victors. Jhonnel Ababa, for example, secured a dramatic playoff victory in the season-opening Apo Classic but has struggled to claim another title since.

Similarly, Lloyd Go, fresh off a win at Palos Verdes, has yet to contend in a couple of PGT tournaments after honing his skills in Japan.

Other top contenders include Clyde Mondilla, whose commanding victory at Caliraya Springs had many expecting a follow-up win, and Que, the Philippine Masters winner, who came close to forcing a playoff against Jaraula last week before Jaraula’s decisive par save.

Meanwhile, the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic also kicks off Tuesday here, where it is not only a race for leg honors but also a critical event where Ladies PGT players are battling to secure their spots in the highly anticipated Match Play Championship.

This tournament is the last chance for many to firm up their rankings, with the top 16 advancing to head-to-head matchups, marking the culmination of the grueling 10-leg nationwide series that has taken competitors to some of the country’s premier courses.

With the Match Play Championship set for Nov. 26-29 at The Country Club in Laguna, players are eager to either secure their top 16 positions or break into the final cut, knowing this will be their shot at glory and a fitting conclusion to the LPGT season.

Key contenders include Kristine Fleetwood, Daniella Uy, Laurea Duque, Lee Ji-won, Rev Alcantara and Chanelle Avaricio, all of whom are currently in the top 16. However, players like Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum and Lucy Landicho are hoping for strong finishes to make a late push into the finals. Every stroke will matter as they look to clinch their spots in the knockout format.