Go shows mettle, zeroes in on Asian Tour card

The Philippines’ Lloyd Jefferson Go plays a shot during the second round of China Open Golf tournament in Shenzhen, in southern China’s Guangdong province on May 3, 2024.

AFP / China Out

MANILA, Philippines — Lloyd Go battled back with a gritty three-under-par 68 on Saturday to move just 18 holes away from realizing a long-cherished dream—earning an Asian Tour card—after four rounds of the Final Stage of Qualifying School at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Shaking off a shaky third-round 72, Go stormed out of the gates at the par-71 A&B course with four birdies in his first 12 holes, immediately reigniting hopes of securing one of the coveted 35 Asian Tour slots for next season. The strong start showcased both his resilience and maturity under pressure, traits that have defined his steady rise in recent years.

Though he wavered late with two bogeys against a lone birdie over the final five holes, Go’s 68 proved good enough to propel him into joint 32nd place with a five-under-par 279 aggregate—comfortably inside the cut line. The top 70 players and ties advanced to the final round.

Now firmly in contention, the Cebuano is brimming with confidence and excitement heading into the last 18 holes, fully aware that a solid finish could secure his place on the region’s premier professional circuit.

Go stands 11 strokes behind leader Shaurya Bhattacharya of India, who fired a 66 for a 268 total to move closer to low medal honors in the grueling eliminations that attracted a starting field of 200 hopefuls.

While Go remains in the hunt, fellow Filipinos Sean Ramos and Enrico Gallardo bowed out after failing to make the cut. Ramos, who opened with a promising 68, stumbled with rounds of 75 and 71 before a closing 70 left him at 284—two shots shy of advancing.

Gallardo also rallied with a 69 but could only muster a 285 total and likewise failed to advance.

With their exits, the spotlight now shines squarely on Go, who is seeking to join fellow Filipinos Carl Corpus and Aidric Chan—along with established Asian Tour regulars Miguel Tabuena, Justin Quiban and Angelo Que—on the circuit next season.

Corpus and Chan clinched their Asian Tour berths by finishing in the Top 10 of the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit, highlighted by back-to-back victories in Morocco last June. Their success has further fueled optimism for a new wave of Filipino talent making its mark across Asia.

Long regarded as one of the country’s most promising young professionals, Go has sharpened his game through extensive competition and training in Japan, where he developed discipline, consistency and a strong mental approach— qualities evident in his composed response to adversity this week. His ability to recover from an off round, start aggressively, and manage pressure-packed situations underscores his readiness for full-time Asian Tour competition.

If he closes strong in the final round, Go could emerge as the next Filipino mainstay on the Asian Tour, adding depth to a growing national presence and continuing the momentum built by his compatriots.

For Go, Sunday represents not just a final round, but a defining opportunity to take the next step in his professional journey.