LUBAO, Pampanga – Jeff Lumbo turned a last-minute sponsor invite into a career-defining breakthrough, clinching his first professional golf title with a commanding seven-stroke win at the Pradera Verde Open.
The 28-year-old from Saranggani Golf Club posted a closing two-under-par 70 on the Pinatubo course of Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club, finishing with a 72-hole total of 281 – well ahead of veteran contender Angelo Que, who ended at 289. Justin Quiban placed third at 290.
Lumbo, who once worked as a caddie and tee-boy before being mentored by businessman Gary Sales, entered the tournament with little fanfare as one of five late sponsor invites. He opened with a 76 at the Arayat course, bounced back with a 66 at Pinatubo, added a 70 back at Arayat, and closed strong to complete the win on his return to Pinatubo.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Lumbo in Filipino. “I didn’t expect it to come this early. I was just lucky maybe, especially since I got the invite only a day before the event.”
The unique format had players switching courses while paired with amateurs for the final two rounds. Despite the format and pressure, Lumbo never wavered.
Alongside his win, Lumbo also celebrated a second victory—his girlfriend Yvon Bisera clinched the women’s division title with a two-stroke win over Sarah Ababa. Bisera shot a 71 at Arayat to finish at 284, while Ababa had a 73 for 286.
The win earned Lumbo P300,000 from the P2.5 million purse funded by Pradera Verde owner Bong Pineda. Not long ago, Lumbo was earning just P500 per loop as a caddie—his transformation from greenskeeper to champion now complete.
“This is only the beginning,” said Lumbo, beaming as he received the winner’s cheque alongside Bisera from Pineda and Pradera Verde GM Mike Singgaran.