Sarines, Suzuki Dominate JPGT Eagle Ridge Golf Finals

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite — Rising stars Lisa Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki clinched commanding victories in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Junior PGT Championship on Wednesday, delivering composed performances under pressure at the Norman course of Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club.

Sarines showcased remarkable consistency, carding a second straight 74 for a 148 total, cruising to a 13-stroke win in the girls’ 11–14 division over her twin sister Mona, who finished at 161 after an 80.

Kendra Garingalao placed third with a 165 aggregate after shooting an 84 in the final round.

“I think I won this tournament because I was consistent,” said Lisa. “My putting was good, and that helped me win despite struggling off the mound. This win means a lot – it’s the first JPGT event this year and it boosts my confidence.”

Suzuki, competing in the boys’ 11–14 bracket, overcame the heat and two double bogeys to shoot a 78 for a 152 total, finishing eight shots ahead of Race Manhit, who settled for second with an 80–160 effort.

Vito Sarines and Jacob Casuga tied for third at 163 after rounds of 80 and 84, respectively.

“I feel truly blessed this entire week,” Suzuki said. “I was really nervous at the start because the competition was tough and I honestly thought I might lose. But I stayed focused, didn’t give up, and I’m grateful I was able to pull through and win.”

“This win means a lot because it gives me points for the JPGT Finals,” he added.

The ICTSI Junior PGT Championship is part of a 15-leg nationwide series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., featuring seven legs each in the Luzon and VisMin circuits.

The tour culminates in the North vs. South Series at The Country Club and is sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking, giving junior players valuable ranking points and competitive exposure.

In the 7–10 age group, Zach Guico posted a resilient 78 for a 165 total to edge Zoji Edoc by one stroke despite a final-hole triple bogey.

Edoc fired a tournament-best 76 to finish at 166, while overnight leader Halo Pangilinan faded with a 91 to take third at 176.

“I wasn’t too nervous. I just stayed confident and believed I could do it,” said 7-year-old Guico, who chipped in for birdie on No. 5.

In the girls’ 7–10 division, Mavis Espedido dominated with rounds of 76 and 75 for a 151 total, securing a 14-shot victory over Venus delos Santos, who scored 165 after an 85.

Penelope Sy rounded out the top three with a 93 for a 182 total.

“This win means a lot because it made me really happy for the second time,” said Espedido. “I was nervous after nine holes, but I tried to stay calm and prayed to God for a good score.”

The boys’ 15–18 division produced a tense finish as Charles Serdenia overtook overnight co-leader Shinichi Suzuki by one stroke after carding a 78 for a 154 total.

Suzuki struggled with a 79 to finish at 155, while Zach Villaroman bounced back with a 74 for a 157, setting the stage for a competitive final round.

“I just trusted myself,” said Serdenia in Filipino. “Even if I made a bad shot, I knew I could bounce back and do better. There was definitely pressure because the match with Shinichi was really tight. But I’ll keep handling it the best I can – I always say a prayer before every shot.”

In the girls’ 15–18 bracket, Rafa Anciano extended her lead despite an 82, finishing with a 165 total.

She now holds an eight-shot cushion over Levonne Tallion, who posted an 85 for 173, while Tiffany Bernardino slipped to third at 180 after a 93.

“I’m really happy with my putting – it was very consistent this time, especially on the back nine,” said Anciano. “I didn’t feel too much pressure. I was pretty comfortable since I was hitting my drives well. I just need to stay calm and focus on bouncing back quickly when things don’t go as planned.”