LIPA City, Batangas – Harmie Constantino nailed her biggest victory in a young career the easy way, claiming the ICTSI Malarayat Ladies Classic via an eight-shot romp over Thai Saraporn Chamchoi with a closing four-under 68 at the Mt. Malarayat composite course here yesterday.
While most would toil to realize a dream pro victory, the 15-year-old Constantino needed just three solid rounds to dominate a badly outclassed international field and become the third amateur to win in this year’s ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
“I’m overwhelmed since I didn’t expect to win. I just went out there and played my game,” said Constantino, the reigning national champion who came into the 54-hole event sponsored by ICTSI in top form with a couple of top three finishes in the national stroke and match play championships and a victory in last month’s Gary Woodland Championship in the US.
“I’m so proud of my feat, especially after beating the Thais,” added the diminutive shotmaker, who completed her remarkable three-day stint with an 11-under 205, spiked by a 66 Wednesday, and beat Chamchoi, who struggled with a 74 for a 213, by eight.
Gaining a two-shot cushion over Chamchoi with that six-under card in the second round, Constantino braced for a final round shootout with two Thai pros, including Chatprapa Siriprakob. But instead of wilting under pressure, the Villamor ace instead showed up her more experienced rivals, hitting a birdie on No. 2 then stringing three straight birdies in impressive fashion from No. 6 to pull away.