TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite — The race for the 2026 National Golf Championship title has found its frontrunners. After a grueling second round at the wind-swept Sherwood Hills Golf Club, the duo of Handog and Manhit surged ahead, showcasing remarkable precision to seize control of the leaderboard.
As the summer heat pushed players to their limits, the tournament—a key fixture for the country’s top amateur and rising professional talents—saw a dramatic shift in momentum as overnight leaders struggled to find their rhythm on the lightning-fast greens.
Handog and Manhit displayed a masterful display of teamwork and individual skill, navigating Sherwood’s notorious bunkers and undulating fairways. While the morning flight faced stiff breezes, the pair managed to string together a series of crucial birdies on the back nine to pull ahead of the pack.
“The course is playing very tough right now; you can’t afford to be aggressive on every hole,” Manhit shared during a post-round interview. “We stayed patient, focused on our putting, and it paid off.”
The competition remains fierce, with several veteran golfers trailing by only a few strokes. The “moving day” performance by Handog and Manhit has set a high bar, forcing the rest of the field to reconsider their strategies heading into the final rounds.
Observers noted that the pairing’s chemistry was the deciding factor, as they consistently placed themselves in favorable positions despite the challenging pin placements designed for this year’s championship.
Sherwood Hills, known for its Jack Nicklaus-designed layout, has lived up to its reputation as a “shot-maker’s course.” With temperatures reaching the mid-30s (Celsius), the tournament has become as much a test of physical endurance as it is of golfing prowess.
Tournament officials have praised the condition of the course, noting that the increased difficulty has successfully separated the field, setting the stage for a high-stakes finale.
As the championship enters its penultimate day, all eyes will be on whether Handog and Manhit can maintain their composure under the pressure of being the hunted. With a hungry chasing pack and the unpredictable Cavite winds, the title remains anyone’s to win.