Junior Golfers Face Tough Test at TCC Qualifiers

Coveted spots in the USwing Mojing Junior World Championship in San Diego, California, are on the line, but the true challenge for the country’s most promising junior golfers lies in the demanding layout of The Country Club (TCC), which will host the qualifiers beginning March 19 in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

More than just a gateway to one of the world’s most prestigious junior golf events, the three-day local eliminations will be a battle against TCC’s unforgiving course conditions.

With long fairways, treacherous hazards, and sleek, undulating greens, the course will test not only the young contenders’ shotmaking and putting skills but also their strategic thinking, resilience, and mental toughness.

Unpredictable wind conditions and extreme heat will further complicate shot selection, forcing players to weigh the risks of an aggressive attack against a safer, more conservative approach.

Every hole presents a new challenge, making this tournament a high-stakes proving ground for the next generation of golfing stars.

Four winners from last year’s JPGT Match Play Finals headline the field, eager not only to secure a spot in San Diego but also to fine-tune their game ahead of the JPGT season, which kicks off at Eagle Ridge next month.

Leading the charge in the 13-14 age group are standout players Precious Zaragosa and Ralph Batican, while Ally Gaccion and Zach Villaroman will spearhead the competition in the highly competitive 15-18 division.

Hosting a Junior World qualifier for the first time, TCC presents a fresh and formidable challenge for participants.

As a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)-sanctioned tournament, the event also plays a key role in the JPGT’s 15-tournament calendar this year.

Meanwhile, 12-and-under players will battle it out in separate eliminations at Eagle Ridge, with the winners of each category earning not just medals and certificates but also free round-trip tickets to the U.S.

The next three finishers will also receive medals and certificates.

Raising the stakes even higher, a cut will be made after 36 holes, with only the top 10 per division and those within six strokes of the fourth-place golfer advancing to the final round.

Players who score 95 or higher in any round will be eliminated, ensuring that only the most prepared and focused competitors remain in contention.

Among those looking to conquer TCC’s daunting fairways are Johanna Uyking, Tiffany Bernardino, Alexie Gabi, and siblings Mona and Lisa Sarines.

Batican, meanwhile, will face a tough field that includes Javie Bautista, Inno Flores, Zian Edoc, Jose Jacobo Gomez, Anthony Zingapan, Miguel Orbita, Ken Guillermo, Peter Calimag Jr., and Guio Pasquil.

The 15-18 category promises to be just as intense, with Gaccion set for fierce competition against Lia Duque, Crista Miñoza, Chloe Rada, Rafa Anciano, Reese Ng, Celine Abalos, Levonne Talion, and Lois Laine Go.

On the boys’ side, Villaroman will lead the charge against a deep field of contenders, including Tristan Padilla, Shinichi Suzuki, Luciano Copok, Alexis Nailga, Geoffrey Tan, Santi Asuncion, and Patrick Tambalque.