Junior golfers chase world rankings as JPGT opens

A new era begins for the country’s top young golfers as they compete in the 2025 Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT), now offering world amateur ranking points.

The milestone season tees off today, April 8, at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite, with Luzon-based players eyeing spots in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

Now officially a WAGR-counting event, the JPGT has evolved beyond a local proving ground into a gateway to global recognition.

For junior players, the tour presents a chance to earn ranking points while testing their skills against elite peers.

The 15-leg circuit, launched by ICTSI in 2023 and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., will culminate in the first-ever North vs. South Elite Finals set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at The Country Club.

This season introduces a streamlined format with three age divisions — 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18 — aimed at sharpening competition and spotlighting talent across age groups.

A star-studded field of Junior World-bound players highlights this year’s cast, all focused on collecting WAGR points.

In the boys’ 15-18 division, Shinichi Suzuki and Charles Serdenia headline the pack as they prepare for the prestigious San Diego tournament in July.

They’ll face strong challenges from Alonso Espartero, Alonso Corpus, John Paul Agustin Jr., and Kristoffer Nadales in the race for global recognition.

In the girls’ 15-18 bracket, top-ranked Precious Zaragosa and Tiffany Bernardino lead the charge, with Rafa Anciano and Jada Santiago also in contention for titles and ranking points.

The 11-14 division is set for an intense showdown led by Junior World qualifiers Lisa and Mona Sarines.

They’ll be tested by rising stars Arielle Espartero and Eliana Dumalaog in the girls’ side.

Vito Sarines, another Junior World qualifier, teams up with Race Manhit to headline the boys’ group.

All are aiming for breakout performances to elevate their international profiles.

Even the youngest talents in the 7-10 category are in the hunt, with Venus delos Santos and Mavis Espedido (girls), and Jesus Yambao and Zoji Edoc (boys) already embracing the challenge.

With WAGR points now at stake, every stroke counts, making this season more competitive and meaningful than ever.

The tour’s WAGR recognition not only raises its prestige but gives Filipino junior golfers a clear path to the international stage.

To ensure balanced national representation, the tour is divided into North and VisMin legs.

Players may only compete in the region tied to their residence or birthplace.

The North Series resumes April 22-24 at Sherwood Hills and continues April 28-30 at Splendido Taal.

The VisMin leg opens May 5-7 in Cebu, with follow-up events in Negros Occidental and Bacolod later in May.