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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Golf devider Orchard's Chong, Yao rule Sta. Lucia Tour Davao Leg

Orchard's Chong, Yao rule Sta. Lucia Tour Davao Leg

Published Aug 16, 2025 02:42 pm

At A Glance

  • Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao showcased excellent teamwork as they clinched the overall title in the 19th Sta. Lucia Golf Tour Davao Leg held recently at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club and South Pacific Davao Golf Club.
Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao showcased excellent teamwork as they clinched the overall title in the 19th Sta. Lucia Golf Tour Davao Leg held recently at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club and South Pacific Davao Golf Club.
Ralph Chong, left, and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong, left, and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong, from left, Orchard golf director Francis Montallana and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong, from left, Orchard golf director Francis Montallana and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao, center, hoist their title in last year's Luzon leg.
Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao, center, hoist their title in last year's Luzon leg.
Ralph Chong, from left, GM Orchard Nilo Famy and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong, from left, GM Orchard Nilo Famy and Aldric Yao
Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao, center, flex their trophy.
Ralph Chong and Aldric Yao, center, flex their trophy.
Representing the Orchard Golf & Country Club, the duo secured the title with a net score of 119, posting rounds of 65 and 57 in the Scramble and Four-Ball formats after playing both courses.
“The biggest formula for our success was our teamwork and strategy. It's different from normal games where you just play your own game,” said Chong in an interview.
“In this tournament, we had to strategize how to win as a team and also help each other and step up when the other falls,” he added.
Leading after Day 1, Chong said they already knew what score they needed for the second day in order to preserve the advantage they have.
“During the last 4-5 holes we were still behind our target and I remember telling my partner that we needed to pick up the pace to maintain the lead,” he said. “After the last hole, we were fortunate enough to hit our target and the only thing left to do is watch the other flights and pray they don’t catch up.”
Chong, who began golfing in 2003 thanks to his dad’s encouragement, teamed up with Yao, a newcomer to the sport during the Covid-19 pandemic, since 2023 and a year after won their first title together in Luzon leg. Their partnership grew stronger through shared fun and constant reminders that they have what it takes to excel.
Before their triumphant run in Davao, the pair made sure to carve out time to hone their craft despite their busy schedules.
“We definitely had to lock in mentally and do a lot of practice. We were practicing twice a week at the very least. This included multiple practice rounds, range sessions and coaching sessions with our coach,” shared Chong.
“One thing we did was practice the formats and also play some high stake games (friendly bets) before the actual tournament,” he added.
Chong and Yao are gearing up for the next two legs of Sta. Lucia, aiming to defend their crown in Luzon while chasing their first championship in Cebu.
“It's all about hard work and discipline. Trying to be consistent at the same time being more patient whenever things don’t go our way,” he said.
“We just tell ourselves that we've won tournaments before so why not do it again. Knowing and playing to each other's strengths has been a key to our success,” he added
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