Fierce battles ahead at JPGT South Pacific

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Young golfers from across the Philippines are set to compete in the second leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates on Tuesday, July 30.

The tournament promises intense competition as players vie for top honors and ranking points across four age categories.

The first leg of the series witnessed commanding victories, with five of the seven age titles decided by an average margin of 17.6 strokes.

However, the girls’ 10-12 and 8-9 divisions offered thrilling finishes.

Brittany Tamayo edged Kimberly Barroquillo in a sudden-death playoff in the girls’ 10-12 category, while Eliana Mendoza narrowly defeated Mavis Espedido by one stroke in the girls’ 8-9 division.

“I’ll work on my overall game to have another chance for victory,” said Aldrien Gialon after transforming a close contest in the boys’ 16-18 division into a 10-stroke triumph over Adrian Bisera at Apo Golf last Friday.

Bisera, aiming to avenge his loss, has been honing his driving and iron game in anticipation of a fierce duel with his cousin Gialon at the familiar South Pacific course.

Other strong contenders include South Cotabato’s Travis Cadungog and Rainier Tagwalan, who showed early promise at Apo before finishing third.

Cagayan de Oro bolsters the roster with players like Vince Naranjo, Nino Villacencio, Kenly Wacan, and Miguel Ladisla.

AJ Wacan and Johanna Uyking, winners in the 13-15 division, aim for back-to-back victories in the 54-hole event.

Jared Saban and Tamayo will defend their titles in the 10-12 class, contested over two days.

Raven Jumawan, who finished second to James Rolida at Apo, is eyeing the top spot in the boys’ 8-9 division, scheduled for 36 holes.

Mireille Estrosas seeks to complete unfinished business in the girls’ youngest category after withdrawing in the second round last week.

DEL MONTE’S FINEST

Seven players from Del Monte are poised to make a strong impression in the tournament.

As hosts of the third stage of the four-leg regional circuit, they are eager to gauge the competition and set the pace when the tournament tees off tomorrow.

Their early arrival underscores their commitment and determination to excel and gain valuable experience ahead of their home advantage in the next leg.

Leading the charge for the Bukidnon golfers are Ralph Batican, last year’s boys’ 11-12 division champion at the inaugural JPGT National Finals, and Mico Woo. These young athletes are prepared to face a competitive field in the four-division series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

The competition will be fierce, with strong contenders such as South Cotabato’s Jared Saban, who dominated the kickoff leg of the Mindanao series at Apo Golf last week.

Other notable competitors include Laurence Saban, Marco Senador, Cagayan de Oro’s Jose Francesco Lim, Davao’s Scionvirje Recto and Prince Lao, all aiming to excel in the 10-12 category.

In the girls’ 10-12 division, Rafella Batican and Angel May Wahing will be key players, looking to challenge last week’s playoff winner, Brittany Tamayo.

Kimberly Barroquillo, who narrowly missed the title in a sudden death match, seeks redemption in a crowded field of 16 competitors.

Other participants include Kelsey Bernardino, Merrel Salvador, Isabella Espina, Laurice Uy, Davelyn Dy, and Natalie Pavadora.

Stephanie Mae Tagud of Del Monte is also determined to halt Apo leg champion Johanna Uyking’s bid for another title run in the girls’ 13-15 division.

Zero Plete, Merry Rose Wacan, and Althea Patosa are also strong contenders in this category of the nationwide series, supported by ICTSI and PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.

Alexis Nailga leads the Bukidnon team’s title drive in the boys’ 13-15 division, which features last week’s runaway winner AJ Wacan, along with Joaquin Pasquil, Hisham Gampong, Daniel Nagayo, Miguel Bernardo, Dexter Eiki, Felix Bula III, and Yuki Castos.

In the girls’ 16-18 division, Crista Miñoza from the renowned golfing clan is aiming for a top finish, expecting a spirited duel with Ashley Llena from Cebu in the 72-hole tournament of the series where the final rankings will be based on the players’ best two results from the four events.

The top two players from each age division, including boys’ and girls’ 8-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 categories, will earn slots in the JPGT Match Play Championship on Oct. 1-4 at the Country Club in Laguna.

Del Monte will host the third leg from Aug. 6 to 9, with the regional series concluding at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro from Aug. 12 to 15.

The second leg of the month-long Mindanao series has attracted 60 players, with organizers expecting more entries for this event and the next legs in Del Monte, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro.

The Del Monte Golf Club will host the third leg from Aug. 6 to 9, and the final tournament will take place at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club from Aug. 12 to 15.

The best two results from these four events will determine the final rankings. The top two players from each age division will advance to the JPGT Match Play Championship slated for Oct. 1-4 at the Country Club in Laguna.

Players competing in multiple series will have their three best outputs counted, but only the top player from each age division will move on to the finals.

Registration is ongoing. For details, contact PGTI’s Jhi Castillo at 0928-316-5678 or Shiela Salvania at 0968-311-4101.