MANILA, Philippines — After securing a dominant victory at the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Golf Championship, De La Salle University’s (DLSU) star golfer Lois Kaye Bucay signaled that her hunger for success is far from satisfied. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the newly crowned individual gold medalist made it clear that she intends to build a lasting legacy for the Lady Archers’ golf program.
The DLSU golf team effectively “painted the fairways green,” sweeping both the individual and team trophies in a historic performance that broke a long-standing title drought for the Taft-based squad.
Bucay, a sophomore sensation, led the charge with a clinical performance across the three-day tournament held at the Southridge Golf and Country Club.
- Final Score: Bucay finished with a total of 208 (8-under-par), securing a massive 12-stroke lead over her nearest competitor.
- Team Sweep: Backed by teammates Graziella De Guzman and Annika Cedo, DLSU finished with a combined score of +5, comfortably ahead of runners-up Ateneo de Manila University (+18) and University of Santo Tomas (+34).
- Consistency: Bucay fired back-to-back rounds of 68 and 69, displaying a level of composure that commentators described as “pro-level.”
Speaking to reporters after the trophy presentation, Bucay emphasized that this win is just the beginning of a larger mission for DLSU golf.
“We worked so hard to get this title back to Taft. But I’m not satisfied yet. I have three more years in the UAAP, and my goal is to make sure we don’t just win once, but that we build a culture of winning here at La Salle.” — Lois Kaye Bucay.
- Future Prospects: Bucay is currently ranked among the top amateurs in Southeast Asia and is expected to represent the Philippines in the upcoming SEA Games later this year.
- Leadership Role: Despite being an underclassman, Bucay has been credited by head coach Miko Alejandro for elevating the training intensity of the entire team.
- Academic-Athletic Balance: Bucay noted that the support system at DLSU has allowed her to focus on her “Road to Pro” while pursuing her degree in Business Management.
The Season 88 tournament saw a significant uptick in attendance and media coverage, reflecting the growing popularity of golf at the collegiate level in the Philippines.
- Rivalry Renewed: The battle between DLSU and Ateneo for the silver and gold spots reignited interest in the “Golfing Blue Eagle” vs. “Green Archer” dynamic.
- UST’s Rise: The UST Growling Tigresses’ podium finish was their first in five years, signaling a more competitive field for the seasons ahead.
Coach Miko Alejandro praised the team’s mental fortitude, particularly during the rainy conditions on the second day of play. “Lois is a generational talent, but what makes this team special is how they pushed each other. They didn’t just play for themselves; they played for the green and white,” Alejandro said.