CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines — Justin Quiban delivered a masterclass in precision on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, firing a course-record 10-under-par 62 to take a commanding four-stroke lead after the opening round of the ICTSI Lakewood Championship.
Playing at the Lakewood Golf and Country Club, Quiban turned a competitive leaderboard into a solo surge with an explosive display of shotmaking:
- The Card: Quiban posted a 32-30 card, highlighted by a blistering back-nine stretch where he birdied four of the final five holes.
- Birdie-Eagle Barrage: He opened the day with consecutive birdies and maintained momentum throughout, overcoming a lone bogey on the ninth hole with a relentless “birdie-eagle barrage” on the inward half.
- Precision Play: Quiban credited his success to his iron play, repeatedly setting up birdie opportunities within 8 to 10 feet. “I hit it pretty close… I stayed focused on the process and didn’t dwell on expectations,” he noted after the round.
Despite the low-scoring conditions, Quiban’s record-shattering pace left the rest of the field struggling to keep up:
- Miki Ryoma: The Japanese pro, coming off a strong showing at the PGT Q-School, sits in solo second after a bogey-free 66 (-6).
- Sean Ramos: The defending champion, who expressed a “no expectations” mindset on the eve of the tournament, remains in the hunt with a solid 68 (-4), tied for third.
- Other Contenders: Also at 4-under are Rupert Zaragosa and Jhonnel Ababa, both of whom took advantage of the calm morning conditions before the heat intensified.
The ₱3-million ICTSI Lakewood Championship kicks off the 10-leg Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) season. With three rounds remaining, the field faces a daunting task in reeling in Quiban, whose 62 has set a high bar for the week.
As the tournament progresses, players will have to contend with “tricky to read” greens and increasing afternoon temperatures. However, with Quiban currently “in complete control,” the focus shifts to whether he can maintain his mental discipline and extend his lead heading into the pivotal second round on Wednesday.