Balangauan, Nailga Dominate JPGT Mactan Golf Tournament

By Mariela Angella Oladive

MACTAN Island – Tashanah Balangauan made a strong debut in the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship by capturing the girls’ 15-18 division crown with a seven-stroke win over Crista Miñoza in the kickoff leg of the seven-stage Visayas-Mindanao Series at Mactan Island Golf Course.

The 15-year-old Cebuana opened her campaign with back-to-back rounds of 73 to build a commanding lead, then carded a final-round 78 under overcast skies to seal the title with a total score of 224.

Balangauan’s dominant performance earned her 15 valuable ranking points, boosting her chances of qualifying for the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals.

“I’m happy and grateful to win in my first JPGT tournament,” said the St. Benedict Childhood Education Center student.

“This experience gave me valuable insights into what I need to improve for my next tournaments.”

She added that the win has motivated her to work harder.

“I struggled with my putting in the final round,” she said.

“To get better, I need to focus on every aspect of my game.”

She also credited rigorous training for her win and thanked her family, friends, and caddie, Pato, for their support.

“Above all, I thank God for the opportunity and for guiding me to become the person I am today,” she said.

Precious Zaragosa finished runner-up with a 77 for a 231 total.

Crista Miñoza placed third with an 80 for 233, while Lois Laine Go carded a 79 to settle for fourth at 235.

Meanwhile, Mindanao’s contenders shone across divisions, led by Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga, who dominated the boys’ 15–18 division with a final-round 66 to beat Cebuano Nyito Tiongko by 10 strokes.

Nailga posted a 54-hole total of 212, highlighted by a second-round 69 that gave him a firm grip on the lead.

After an opening-hole mishap, he bounced back with back-to-back birdies from No. 4, added another birdie on No. 7, and pulled away further with birdies on Nos. 14 and 15.

A double bogey on the 17th amid heavy rain trimmed his margin, but he still closed with a pair of 33s.

With a commanding lead, the 15-year-old kept the ball in play and stayed composed throughout the tournament.

“I didn’t expect to win,” Nailga said.

“I just played my game and aimed for the score I needed.”

He thanked the Lord for guidance and his family for their support.

Tiongko, who matched Nailga’s opening 77 but trailed with a second-round 74, closed with a 71 to finish at 222.

Zeus Suzara rounded out the podium with a final-round 75 for a 237 total.

Nailga’s consistency helped solidify Mindanao’s rising status in junior golf.

He joined three other Mindanao champions in the season opener, including Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican and South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo in the 11–14 division, and Davao’s Ethan Lago in the 7–10 division.

Mindanao’s four-title haul underscored the region’s depth and readiness, outshining the host Visayas despite their home-course familiarity.

Visayas still took pride in two victories, thanks to Denise Mendoza’s win in the 7–10 girls’ division and Balangauan’s triumph.

Up by seven over Miñoza after 36 holes, Balangauan stretched her lead to 12 strokes with a birdie on No. 8.

Despite carding three bogeys and a double bogey in the next six holes, she held her ground as Zaragosa, Miñoza and Go failed to mount a comeback.

The series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., resumes May 14–16 at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, followed by a May 19–21 leg in Bacolod.

The Mindanao swing begins June 25–27 at Del Monte Golf Club.

Players must join at least three tournaments to qualify for the national finals.

The top four players in each age-group category will comprise the Vis-Min team, which will face Luzon’s top performers in the season-ending championship from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at The Country Club in Laguna.

For inquiries, contact PGTI’s Jhi Castillo-Estrada (+63 928 316 5678) or Shiela Salvania (+63 968 311 4101), or email pilipinasgolftournamentsinc@gmail.com.