Redemption, Domination in Focus as JPGT Pueblo de Oro Unwraps

CAGAYAN DE ORO – The stakes are higher, the field deeper, and the course more demanding as the ICTSI Junior PGT Pueblo de Oro Championship opens today, setting the stage for a showdown of talent, grit, and strategy among the country’s top young golfers.

Following last week’s challenge at the tight, tricky Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon, junior golfers now face a different test at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club — a wider yet equally tough layout that will separate the merely good from the truly elite.

Known for its rolling fairways, undulating greens, and well-placed ravines, the Robert Trent Jones II-designed course is expected to push players to their limits as they chase titles and ranking points for spots in the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals this October.

Among those seeking redemption is hometown hopeful James Rolida, who eyes a comeback on familiar ground.

Rolida, winner of last year’s South Pacific leg, has struggled to regain form, placing third in Mactan and sixth in Del Monte.

Now competing on his home course, Rolida hopes his local knowledge will fuel a return to the winner’s circle in the boys’ 7-10 division.

He faces a tough field led by Jamie Barnes, who won the Del Monte leg by five strokes in his JPGT debut, and other contenders including Shaqeeq Tanog, Liam Bonilla, Ian Langamin, Simon Apilat, Inigo Montalban, Lucas Revilleza, and Tobias Tiongko.

In the girls’ 7-10 division, Francesca Geroy of CDO looks to build on her Del Monte podium finish as she competes against Claren Quiño, Jilliane Namocatcat, Skye Yocte, Althea Yasay, Sistine Yu, and Abby Qiu.

In the boys’ 11-14 category, Ken Guillermo returns seeking back-to-back wins after dominating the Del Monte leg.

He’ll contend with Marcus Dueñas, who finished second last week, as well as Mico Woo, Gideon Namocatcat, Blademer Estologo, Guio Pasquil, and Anthony Juanico.

With defending champion Kimberly Baroquillo skipping this leg, the girls’ 11-14 division is wide open.

Top contenders include Margaux Espina, Angel May Wahing, Yvonne Colim, Arianna Ang, and Ayla Pavadora.

The premier 15-18 division, set over 54 holes, features the fiercest battles yet.

All eyes are on Alexis Nailga, who won in Mactan and Del Monte and now leads the series.

He’ll be challenged by Clement Ordeneza, Mhark Fernando III, Santi Asuncion, Eric Jeon, Roman Tiongko, and Nyito Tiongko.

In the girls’ premier division, Zero Plete returns after edging out rival Crista Miñoza in a thrilling finish.

She’ll need to fend off strong competition from Kenley Yu, Mikela Guillermo, Gabie Rosca, Miñoza, and hometown favorite Ally Gaccion, last year’s JPGT Match Play champion.

The Pueblo de Oro leg is the second stop in the Mindanao swing, which heads to Davao for its final two legs — South Pacific from July 9-11, and Apo Golf from July 14-16.

Each leg offers not only titles but vital points for the national finals set for Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club in Laguna.

With so much at stake, every round counts, every stroke matters, and every player knows — redemption and domination are on the line.