Nailga Leads Title Chase in JPGT at Pueblo de Oro

His confidence high, composure steady and focus sharp, Alexis Nailga is poised for another title run in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series, which resumes Tuesday, July 1, at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro.

“It’s a great feeling scoring back-to-back wins and learning how to play composed,” said the 15-year-old after edging fellow Bukidnon native Clement Ordeneza in a thrilling showdown at Del Monte last Friday.

Nailga’s three-stroke victory followed a dominant performance at the Mactan leg of the Visayas Series last month, pushing him to the top of the leaderboard with 30 points in the race for slots in the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals, scheduled Oct. 7–10 at The Country Club.

Under the structured JPGT format, the top four players from each division after the seven-leg regional series will qualify for the Vis-Min squad, which will face Luzon’s best in the Finals.

Nailga remains cautious, however, with growing threats from Ordeneza, third-placer Armand Copok and challengers Martin Lu, Enrico Rosales, Fawzi Espinosa, Eric Jeon and Santi Asuncion.

Also looking to rebound is Mhark Fernando III, son and namesake of the former national champion and pro, who aims to improve on his fifth-place finish at Del Monte.

Fernando hopes to find his rhythm and make key adjustments in the 54-hole tournament.

Nailga is targeting not only a third straight win but also a secure berth in the North vs. South Finals.

In the girls’ premier division, another Bukidnon standout, Zero Plete, who topped the Del Monte leg, is eyeing a follow-up win at Pueblo de Oro, a course she knows well.

She leads a strong field that includes Gabie Rosca, Kenley Yu and Mikela Guillermo.

Other players aiming to sustain momentum in the series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., include Ken Guillermo in the boys’ 11–14 division and Jamie Barnes in the boys’ 7–10 category.

Guillermo is coming off a seven-stroke win over Marcus Dueñas, while Barnes defeated Mactan leg titlist Ethan Lago by five strokes in his JPGT debut.

The Mindanao swing continues with the third leg on July 9–11 at South Pacific Golf Club, followed by the final stop July 14–16 at Apo Golf and Country Club, both in Davao.

The Visayas Series, which had two legs canceled due to the Mount Kanlaon eruption, resumes Sept. 15–17 at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, followed by the Sept. 18–20 leg at Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia.

The Luzon Series will stage its final three legs on July 29–31 at Riviera Golf and Country Club, Aug. 12–14 at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, and Aug. 19–21 at Pinewoods Golf and Country Club in Baguio.