Bacolod Golfers Aim to Shine at JPGT Negros Leg

After Mindanao players dominated the Mactan kickoff, the spotlight shifts to Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club as Visayan hopefuls, led by Bacolod’s rising stars, prepare to defend home turf in the second leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series on May 14 to 16.

With division winners from the first leg returning to chase back-to-back titles, the challenge is clear—but for Bacolod’s young golfers, so is the opportunity.

On a course they know well, and with home crowd support behind them, local players are determined to rewrite the script.

Ana Marie Aguilar leads a strong Bacolod contingent in the girls 7-10 division, aiming to capitalize on their familiarity with the tight, tricky layout.

She will be joined by fellow Negrense golfers Cecilia Jalandoni and Anezka Golez, all set to challenge Cebu’s Denise Mendoza, the runaway winner of the Mactan leg.

In the older brackets, Gabriela Regino and Chelsea Ogborne are looking to bounce back after tough outings in the opener and spoil Brittany Tamayo’s bid for a second straight crown in the girls 11-14 division of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Tamayo, who staged a come-from-behind win in Mactan, faces a tougher test this time with several new challengers, including Davao’s Johanna Uyking and Cebu’s Andrea Borromeo.

In the boys 11-14 category, Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin and Zach Casil are ready to challenge Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican, who dominated the Mactan leg with a four-stroke win.

With runner-up Ken Guillermo also joining, a wide-open and thrilling battle is expected.

The premier boys 15-18 division also promises fireworks, with Bacolod’s Santi Asuncion, Raphael Aguilar and John Rey Oro going up against a strong field that includes Cebu’s Nyito and Yosef Tiongko and Mindanao standouts James Teves and Blake Bautista.

Tashanah Balangauan, fresh off a dominant victory in Mactan, braces for tough competition from local contenders Breanna Rojas and Amelia Valderrama.

Former 11-14 campaigner Precious Zaragosa also aims for a strong showing after placing second last week while transitioning to the premier category.

While the likes of Tamayo, Balangauan, Lago and Batican look to extend their title runs, the Bacolod leg presents a different challenge—one where course familiarity, grit and community support could give Visayan players an edge.

Adding intrigue to the contest is the shift in terrain.

Unlike the Mactan Island Golf Course, the former Marapara layout is known for its tight fairways, tricky bunkers, punishing hazards and unpredictable greens—conditions local players have navigated many times.