The ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament is set to begin in Tagaytay on Monday, featuring 18 collegiate teams competing for both championships and prestige.
Now in its second year, the tournament has established itself as a significant event in collegiate golf, distinct from the UAAP. It aims to elevate the sport while connecting junior and professional levels.
The event will see 13 teams in the men's division and five in the women's, with La Salle and Ateneo expected to reignite their rivalry for team and individual titles.
Alongside La Salle and Ateneo, Enderun Colleges, Mapua, San Beda, and College of St. Benilde will also field teams. The University of the Philippines rounds out the men's competition.
Defending champion La Salle enters the tournament confident, having swept both team titles and the women’s individual division last year.
This year's competition is expected to be more intense, as many players are participating in the ongoing UAAP golf tournament, making the field more unpredictable.
Sean Granada from St. Benilde aims for his second consecutive title in the men's individual category, facing tough competition from fellow collegiate stars.
Five players will compete for individual honors without team affiliation, adding an interesting dynamic to the tournament.
The women's division features strong contenders, including Ateneo’s Tatiana Ong and La Salle’s Stacey Chan and Phoebe Bucay, alongside promising newcomers.
The tournament format mirrors the UAAP, consisting of a 72-hole aggregate gross stroke play event over four rounds, with each team counting the best three scores.
Players must complete all four rounds to qualify for individual honors, testing their consistency and mental resilience.
Tagaytay Midlands will present a formidable challenge with its rolling terrain and unpredictable winds, ensuring a thrilling competition.