Justin Quiban Triumphs at ICTSI Lakewood Championship with Electrifying Eagle Finish
In a stunning display of skill and nerve, Justin Quiban captured the ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan City on Friday, March 27, 2026. The victory was sealed with a dramatic eagle putt on the 18th hole, allowing Quiban to edge out Ha Taewon in a heart-pounding finale. This win marked a wire-to-wire title for Quiban, who dominated the tournament from start to finish, despite facing intense pressure and a rollercoaster final round.
A Nail-Biting Showdown on the Final Hole
The championship reached its climax as Quiban and Ha battled fiercely throughout the day. After a series of birdies and eagles, both players were tied at 17-under par heading into the par-5 18th hole. Ha initially gained an advantage with a precise second shot that landed within 24 feet of the pin. However, Quiban responded with composure, placing his approach 20 feet past the hole, setting the stage for a decisive moment.
As the gallery watched in suspense, Ha narrowly missed his eagle attempt. Seizing the opportunity, Quiban carefully read his putt, paced it twice, and sank the ball with a swift roll into the cup. "I just trusted my training; I've done this so many times," Quiban reflected afterward, highlighting the preparation that led to his clutch performance.
Quiban's Strategic Brilliance and Emotional Restraint
Quiban's victory was not without its challenges. He started the final round with a shaky performance but rallied under punishing heat and mounting pressure. His final score of 69 brought him to a total of 19-under 269, earning him the top prize of P532,200. Instead of a wild celebration, Quiban's restrained fist pumps reflected the hard-fought nature of his triumph, which almost slipped away early in the day.
In his post-match comments, Quiban detailed his mindset on the final hole: "As I walked toward the 18th mound, I focused on trusting my training and preparation. I hit a massive drive, even outdriving one of the Tour's longest hitters. When I saw Ha reach the green, I reminded myself to just make a solid strike, and I nearly holed out from 170 yards. As Ha missed his eagle putt, I knew I had to seize the opportunity – I didn't want a playoff."
Notable Performances from Other Competitors
While Quiban and Ha battled for the title, other players delivered memorable moments. Keanu Jahns electrified the crowd with a near-impossible chip from the back fence that resulted in an eagle, earning thunderous applause. Jahns finished third with a score of 271 after shooting a 67.
The leaderboard also featured strong showings from:
- Ha Taewon, who fired a sizzling 68 with three straight birdies to close, securing second place at 270.
- Lloyd Go and Angelo Que, both matching 66s for totals of 273 and 276, respectively.
- Fidel Concepcion and Sean Ramos, who tied at 277 after scores of 71 and 73.
- Rupert Zaragosa, who placed eighth at 279 after matching par 72.
This championship underscored Quiban's resilience and skill, as he rebounded from early struggles to claim victory with a record-setting early round of 62 and a dramatic finish. The event, part of the P3 million championship series, showcased the high stakes and intense competition that define professional golf in the Philippines.
