Bisera, Miñoza Shine in PVL South Pacific Leg

DAVAO CITY — Local standout Adrian Bisera and Bukidnon’s Crista Miñoza delivered breakthrough wins with contrasting finishes in the premier 15-18 age group of the ICTSI Junior PGT Series South Pacific Championship on Friday.

Both players, steeped in golf heritage, carried commanding leads into the final round of the 54-hole tournament at the South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates course and held firm to secure their first victories in the series.

Making his Junior PGT debut, Bisera showed poise and resilience in the final two rounds to secure the third leg of the Mindanao series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Five shots ahead of Armand Copok after 36 holes, the Davaoeño pulled away with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 8 and 9, then closed with a 72 despite a double bogey on the final hole for an even-par 216 total.

He capped his impressive debut with an 11-shot win over fellow Davao bet AJ Wacay, who finished with a 77 for a 227.

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Despite his cushion, Bisera admitted nerves got to him on the final hole.

“I double-bogeyed the last hole because I got nervous — there were so many people watching,” he said with a grin. “But I’m still really happy with the win. I just felt I had to deliver.”

To stay composed, the 17-year-old, who trains regularly at the course, said he kept things light.

“I just tried to stay relaxed, chatted with my flightmates, and had a few laughs to ease the tension,” said Bisera.

Copok, who placed third at Del Monte and second at Pueblo de Oro, struggled early with four bogeys in the first 10 holes and settled for a 79 and a 228 overall.

With the win, Bisera now aims for a spot in the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals.

To qualify, he must play in next week’s Apo leg of the Mindanao swing and at least one of the two remaining Visayas legs.

While Bisera’s victory echoed the dominant showings in the 7-10 and 11-14 age groups earlier Thursday, Miñoza had to dig deep to finally end her title drought.

After a third-place finish in Mactan and runner-up efforts at Del Monte and Pueblo de Oro, the Bukidnon native broke through on her fourth try.

A second-round 71 gave her a six-shot cushion heading into the final round, but she had to stave off Davao’s Merry Rose Wacan down the stretch.

“I’m really thankful for this victory — winning feels amazing,” said Miñoza, who credited a steady front nine for setting the tone.

“This win means a lot. All the hard work and training really paid off,” added the 17-year-old.

“I’d like to thank my supporters, especially Ms. Tiffany Chua-Copok, and of course my uncle, golf legend Frankie Miñoza, for his guidance and encouragement.”

Despite bogeys on Nos. 11, 12 and 14, Miñoza stayed ahead as Wacan also double-bogeyed No. 11.

Miñoza faltered with a double bogey on the island green at No. 15 and another bogey on No. 16, allowing Wacan to close the gap to two.

Wacan, however, bogeyed the 17th while Miñoza saved par, regaining a three-shot lead before sealing the win with a 78 and a 226 total.

Wacan birdied the final hole for a 74 and a 228, while Del Monte leg winner Zero Plete carded an 83 to finish third at 243.

With their victories, Bisera and Miñoza joined earlier category winners in bolstering their bids for slots in the Elite Junior Finals set Oct. 7–10 at The Country Club in Laguna.

To qualify, players must compete in at least three legs in either the Luzon or Visayas-Mindanao Series, with the top four per division earning berths.

Earlier, Denise Eliana Mendoza and Jamie Barnes dominated the 7-10 division, with Mendoza capturing her second title after winning in Mactan and Barnes sweeping his first three JPGT events, including titles at Del Monte and Pueblo de Oro.

South Cotabato’s Jared Saban and Brittany Tamayo ruled the 11-14 class, gaining momentum heading into the final Visayas-Mindanao leg starting Monday, July 14, at Apo Golf and Country Club.