Defending champion De La Salle University emerged as the overall leader with seven points at the end of the first round of the Intercollegiate Golf Championship Season 2 recently held in various golf courses.

The Green Archers’ tandem of Allan Guy and Rhiz de Roca beat the St. Benilde pair of Hannah Wong and Bart Locsin, 8-7, in the best ball format of this event sponsored by the Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF).

Playing at the Blazers’ home course at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, however, proved too much for La Salle’s Justin Limjap and Tristan Laxa as they dropped a 4-3 decision to CSB’s Marco Olives and Jared Sanson in the high low format.

Ateneo finished second with six points, while CSB is at third with five points, University of the Philippine fourth with two points. University of Asia and the Pacific has yet to get on the scoreboard.

Last Sunday’s match saw the visiting Blue Eagles’ win both games despite play being called off due to darkness at the Tagaytay Midlands.

The duo of Brainard Hao and Johann See were leading UAP’s Carlo Coronel and Josef Ledesma after 12 holes, while the mixed pair of Edsel Tan and Laine Lumanog were three up on Matthew Matias and Kevin Cua through 11 holes.

The second round promises to be more exciting as the golfers from all universities have sharpened their skills since the tournament began last month.

A battle royal between the first three placers is in the offing, as Ateneo hosts DLSU in Splendido today for the outright lead while UP engages CSB in Canlubang in the other match.