Serdenia, Suzuki Lead ICTSI Junior Golf Championship

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite — Charles Serdenia and Shinichi Suzuki delivered steady but contrasting rounds to share the early lead in the boys’ 15-18 division of the 2025 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Junior PGT Championship, as young golfers battled fierce heat and challenging course conditions on Monday.

Both players carded identical four-over-par 76s at the Norman course of Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, finishing five strokes ahead of Enzo Cham, who managed an 81.

Serdenia, who recently won a Junior World Qualifier in Splendido Taal, surged with a front-nine 37 but lost ground with three bogeys in his last six holes.

“My round was okay, but my putting was really off,” said Serdenia, 16, in Filipino. “The course was super difficult and it was extremely hot – we had to rehydrate every three holes.”

He added, “Just trust yourself and say a prayer before every shot,” crediting his parents and supporters for helping him navigate the pressure.

Suzuki, who earlier earned his Junior World Championships berth at The Country Club, turned in consistent 38s on both nines but wasn’t fully pleased with his play.

“The greens were quite firm and tough to hold, so it took me a while to adjust,” said Suzuki. “I struggled hitting greens in regulation and missed several up-and-down chances and birdie opportunities.”

“It was very disappointing. Hopefully, I can step up my game tomorrow,” he added before heading straight to the range for extra practice in preparation for his upcoming Royal Junior campaign in Japan.

With temperatures pushing high under the midday sun, the field faced a punishing mix of dry fairways and slick greens.

Cham faltered with an 81, followed by Alonso Espartero with an 82, while Rafael Mañaol and Zach Villaroman both turned in 83s.

In the boys’ 7-10 division, nine-year-old Halo Pangilinan braved the scorching conditions to shoot an 85, edging Isonn Angheng and Zach Guico, who posted 87s.

“I came here to play my best but it’s very challenging,” said Pangilinan, aiming to lower his score to 82 in the final round.

Zoji Edoc slipped with a 90 and faces an uphill climb in the concluding leg of the 36-hole category, which is part of a 15-stage nationwide series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

In the girls’ 7-10 bracket, Mavis Espedido of Anvaya Cove rose above the heat and firm greens to shoot a 76, pulling four strokes ahead of Venus delos Santos (80).

“The course is very hard. I had to manage it carefully and play smart on many holes,” said Espedido, who is eyeing an under-par final round. “I want to make my parents proud.”

The tournament, now sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking, gives young athletes the chance to earn global ranking points along with their podium ambitions.

Ryuji Suzuki led the boys’ 11-14 division with a 74, thanks to two birdies that salvaged a rough start after he opened with a 39.

“Jesus Christ motivated me to push through,” said the 11-year-old from Manila Southwoods. “The greens are not easy – they’re fast and my second shots would roll off. I had to save myself with up-and-downs.”

Chan Ahn, who was just three shots behind with a 77, vowed to fight back after fading with a closing 41 following a solid 36 on the front.

Jacob Casuga (79), Race Manhit (80), and Inigo Gallardo and Lujo Gomez (81s) remain in the hunt but will need big performances in the final round.

In the girls’ 11-14 category, Lisa Sarines delivered a 74 to take a commanding seven-shot lead over Kendra Garingalao and twin sister Mona Sarines.

“I was bogey-free until hole 15,” said Lisa. “The fairways were dry and the greens fast – it wasn’t easy at all.”

Rafa Anciano posted an 83 to pace the girls’ 15-18 division, despite a triple-bogey on No. 3 and a birdie-less round.

“The greens are super hard, and they roll a lot,” said Anciano, who leads Tiffany Bernardino (87) and Levonne Talion (88). “But I managed and went straight to the range afterward to tighten my game.”