Bukidnon Golfers Set for Home Defense at ICTSI JPGT

Following a strong performance by Mindanao-based players in Mactan, Cebu last month, attention now turns to Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon as local standouts, led by Alexis Nailga, gear up for the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship starting June 25.

The 54-hole event opens a four-leg Mindanao swing designed to challenge young golfers’ shotmaking, putting, and stamina, with three more stops scheduled in July.

The tour continues with the Pueblo de Oro leg from July 1 to 3, followed by the South Pacific Junior PGT on July 9 to 11, and concludes at Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao from July 14 to 16.

The Mindanao swing forms part of the larger Visayas-Mindanao series of the ICTSI Junior PGT, a seven-leg competition where players’ top three finishes per age division (7-10, 11-14, 15-18) count toward final rankings.

The top four from each age group in both Vis-Min and Luzon circuits will qualify for the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna.

The Luzon series, also with seven legs, resumes with the Riviera Golf stop in Cavite from July 29 to 31, following four completed events including Caliraya Springs.

Leading the boys’ 15-18 division in Del Monte is Nailga, who topped the Mactan leg and is expected to capitalize on his familiarity with the course where he trained.

Bukidnon’s Clement Ordeneza is also eyeing a strong finish on home soil.

They will face tough opposition from Visayas contenders including Cebu’s Nyito and Roman Tiongko and Bacolod’s Santi Asuncion, all seeking to rebound from Mactan.

Other challengers include Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III, son of former national standout Mhark Fernando, CDO’s Luciano Copok, and Davao’s Vince Naranjo.

On the girls’ side, Davao’s Precious Zaragosa, runner-up in Mactan, aims for a comeback, with CDO’s Kenley Yu also expected to contend in the 15-18 division of the tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

The boys’ 11-14 division, played over 36 holes, features locals Mico Woo and Marcus Duenas, along with South Cotabato’s Jared and Laurence Saban, Koronadal’s Arthur Garcia, CDO’s Rafael Yap and Rio Sia, Davao’s Nicolas Bernardo, and Cebu’s Eric Jeon.

In the girls’ 11-14 class, Bukidnon bets Angel May Wahing and Yvonne Colim will battle Mactan leg winner Brittany Tamayo of South Cotabato, CDO’s Isabella Espina, and Davao’s Kimberly Baroquillo and Ayla Pavadora.

The youngest category (7-10) is expected to be competitive as Davao’s Ethan Lago eyes a second straight win after his Mactan victory.

His challengers include Cebu’s Alan Tan, Darren Ong, and Tobias Tiongko, along with CDO’s James Rolida and Jamie Barnes.

In the girls’ 7-10 category, CDO’s Francesca Geroy hopes for a breakthrough but will compete against Davao’s Soleil Molde, Koronadal’s Arianna Garcia, CDO’s Sistine Yu, and Bukidnon’s Ashia Frayco, who aims to use her course knowledge to her advantage in the 36-hole contest.