JPGT Finals race heats up at Eagle Ridge

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite — Junior golfers chase the last Luzon Series qualifying spots as the ICTSI Eagle Ridge JPGT Championship begins Wednesday, June 17, at the Aoki course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club complex.

The tournament is the sixth and final leg of the Luzon Series, with players in the 7–10, 11–14, and 15–18 age divisions making one last push for berths in the Elite Junior PGT Finals.

At stake are tickets to the North vs. South Finals on Aug. 17–20 at Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro, where Luzon’s qualifiers will defend their crown against the South’s top junior players.

In the girls’ 7–10 division, the 36-hole tournament will decide the last two qualifiers.

Winter Serapio, with 45 points, and Andrea Dee, with 37 points, have already secured their finals spots.

Jehanne Mendoza, with 32 points, and Aicee Cervantes, with 23 points, currently hold the No. 3 and No. 4 positions.

Laura Pablo and Cecilia Mamauag are tied for fifth with 20 points, keeping pressure on Mendoza and Cervantes.

Elizabeth Laurel, tied for seventh with 18 points, remains in contention and could still advance with a victory worth 15 points this week.

The boys’ 7–10 division carries a similar race for the final two spots.

Zach Guico and Zoji Edoc have already qualified with identical 42-point totals.

Kenzo Tan, with 31 points, and Kingston Ching, with 30 points, are trying to protect the last two qualifying places.

Asher Abad, with 24 points, remains within striking distance and needs a strong finish to break into the top four.

In the boys’ 11–14 division, Vito Sarines is already through, while No. 2 Javie Bautista and No. 3 Chan Ahn are well-positioned but not yet safe.

No. 5 Race Manhit is mounting a late bid to reach the Magic 4.

No. 4 Ryuji Suzuki will not compete this week, creating an opening for No. 6 Jacob Casuga and Beverly Place champion No. 7 Ryuichi Tao.

The girls’ 11–14 division is also positioned for a late shakeup.

No. 6 Quincy Pilac and No. 7 Tyra Garingalao need big performances to climb into qualifying position.

They will face a field that includes No. 2 Cailey Gonzales and several podium-seeking players who are no longer in the finals race.

In the 15–18 division, the tournament shifts to a 54-hole test of skill, stamina, and composure.

Jakob Taruc needs another dominant performance to complete his late-season push into the boys’ finals.

Nathan Belandres is also chasing a breakthrough result that could deliver a qualifying spot.

In the girls’ 15–18 division, No. 3 Kendra Garingalao is aiming to secure her place and avoid a late slip.

No. 4 Rafa Anciano will try to hold the final berth.

No. 5 Levonne Talion remains a threat and can strengthen her own finals bid with a strong showing at Eagle Ridge.

With several mathematical scenarios still alive, the Luzon Series finale is expected to produce tight finishes across the divisions.

When the final scores are counted in Cavite, only the top qualifiers will earn the right to represent Luzon in the North vs. South Finals in Cagayan de Oro.