Late birdie blitz propels Edoc to JPGT Pradera Verde lead

LUBAO, Pampanga – Zianbeau Edoc bolstered his finals bid with a composed front-nine effort and a strong closing stretch, finishing with back-to-back birdies for a one-under 71 to seize the lead in the boys’ 11–14 division of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Junior PGT Championship on Tuesday.

Edoc’s late surge came as Race Manhit, who led most of the day in scorching conditions at the Pinatubo course of Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club, closed with a bogey for a 74, falling into a tie for second with Jacob Casuga and Vito Sarines.

The finish capped a day-long battle for control of the 36-hole tournament, the penultimate leg of the seven-stage Luzon series, and for ranking points crucial to qualifying for the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals set for Oct. 7–10 at The Country Club in Laguna.

Despite missing the first four legs, Edoc, ranked No. 7, remains in contention for a Top 4 spot after marking his JPGT debut with a dominant win over Casuga at Riviera two weeks ago, worth 15 points.

Another victory this week would significantly boost his finals hopes heading into the last leg at Camp John Hay in Baguio next week.

He will have to hold off strong contenders in Wednesday’s final round, with Sarines, Casuga, and Manhit — ranked second to fourth behind frontrunner Ryuji Suzuki — all expected to mount a challenge in what’s shaping up to be a down-to-the-wire finish.

“I wasn’t really doing anything too much — just simple golf,” said Edoc, 13, who struggled with missed putts on unpredictable greens. “I just got lucky with those late birdies.”

While trailing Manhit entering the final holes, Edoc said he kept his focus. “I didn’t care about the other players’ scores. They’re really fun to play with, but I just focused on my game.”

To complete a back-to-back title run and stay in contention in the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., Edoc plans to take a more aggressive approach on the greens. “They’re not really that fast. I was reading every short. I’ll try to go for every putt tomorrow.”

In the girls’ 11–14 division, the Sarines twins continued their dominance, with Mona carding a 71 to edge sister Lisa by one stroke.

Mona birdied three of her last seven holes after opening with a two-over-par start from No. 10 on a birdie and three bogeys.

“It’s nice playing here at Pradera Verde — it’s easier to aim at the pins on the front nine,” said Mona. “I’m going to try for another win and hope to shoot better tomorrow.”

Mona placed second to Lisa in the first two legs but swept the next three.

Kendra Garingalao, ranked third, shot a 78 for solo third, followed by Alexie Gabi (79), Marqaela Dy (81), and Eliana Dumalaog (85).

In the girls’ 7–10 division, Mavis Espedido stayed on track for a fourth straight leg win with a four-under 70.

Espedido opened with three straight birdies and finished with a 34–36 card to build a four-shot cushion over Ronee Dungca.

“This is my first time playing here at Pinatubo, and it’s an amazing experience,” said Espedido, who trains at Anvaya Cove. “I felt relaxed after those birdies — it boosted my confidence.”

Dungca, who skipped the first four legs, marked her debut with a win at Riviera two weeks ago and stayed within reach after back-to-back birdies for a 74.

She needs to win the last two legs to crack the Top 4 and make the finals, as she currently ranks No. 7 with 15 points.

Venus delos Santos, ranked fifth, posted a 75 for third, while Penelope Sy struggled with an 84, putting her No. 4 ranking at risk.

In the boys’ 7–10 division, Zoji Edoc followed up his Riviera win with a 76 for an eight-shot lead.

He made two birdies against two bogeys on the front nine but struggled with a 39 on the back.

“I played very well on the front nine but had a bad score on the last nine. Tomorrow, I’ll just focus on every shot,” said the younger Edoc.

Halo Pangilinan (84) and Korean Sooreen Lee (85) placed second and third, respectively.

In the premier 15–18 category, set over 54 holes, Zachary Villaroman birdied No. 9 for a 73 and a one-stroke lead over Jose Carlos Taruc, who closed with three birdies in the last four holes for a 74.

Nathan Belandres and Kristoffer Nadales shared third with 80s, while Alonso Espartero, Andres Fabie, and Rodrigo Lim finished with 85, 86, and 87, respectively.

In the girls’ 15–18 division, Korean Seeun Pak shone in her JPGT debut with an 86 to lead Chole Rada by one.

Angelica Bañez and Tiffany Bernardino were close behind with identical 88s.

“It’s my first time to join the JPGT and it’s a good experience for my future,” said Pak, 18, who is based in Angeles City and plays out of Mimosa Plus. “I just plan to play calmly and without pressure.”