Tamayo, Others Eye Repeat at JPGT Negros Leg

All but one of the six division winners from the kickoff leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series will return to action, aiming for back-to-back titles in the second leg on May 14 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City.

Leading the charge are Brittany Tamayo and Tashanah Balangauan, who dominated the girls’ 11-14 and 15-18 categories, respectively, at the Mactan Island Golf Course.

Tamayo, a 13-year-old from Notre Dame of Marbel University, overcame a one-stroke deficit after 18 holes and stormed to a five-shot win over Zuri Bagaloyos with a closing 73 in the 36-hole tournament.

“I know I can do more,” said Tamayo, a former JPGT Match Play champion, whose drive is fueled by discipline, focus, self-confidence and a strong work ethic—traits she hopes will power more wins in the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.-organized series.

Balangauan turned in a wire-to-wire victory in the premier division, topping Precious Zaragosa by seven strokes in her circuit debut.

The Cebu native broke the Mindanaoans’ dominance in the Mactan leg and looks to build on her confidence.

“My JPGT experience gave me insight into what I need to improve for my next tournament,” said Balangauan, who trains rigorously from morning to late afternoon.

In the girls’ 7-10 class, Cebu’s Denise Mendoza aims for another strong finish after a 15-shot romp in the opener.

She faces stiffer competition with Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar and Cecilia Jalandoni, Negrense Anezka Golez, Talisay’s Faith Reosura and Davao’s Soleil Molde all gunning for the top spot.

Davao’s Ethan Lago also seeks to defend his title in the boys’ 7-10 division after cruising to an 11-stroke win over Cebu’s Kvan Alburo and Cagayan de Oro’s James Rolida.

Challenging him this time are Canlaon’s Sebastian Bautista and Cebu’s Tobias Tiongko, making a repeat win more difficult.

The boys’ 15-18 division features a stacked lineup with local standouts Santi Asuncion, Lance Soberano, Azie Acuña, Cybon Casil, Eddie Gonzales, Raphael Aguilar and John Rey Oro.

They will square off against Cebu’s Nyito and Yosef Tiongko, Davao’s James Teves and Canlaon’s Blake Bautista.

Tamayo, meanwhile, braces for a tougher outing with new challengers entering the mix.

These include Johanna Uyking of Davao, Andrea Borromeo of Cebu and Gabriela Regino and Chelsea Ogborne of Bacolod.

Also returning are Bukidnon’s Rafella Batican and Ogborne, both seeking redemption after falling short in the opener.

In the boys’ 11-14 division, Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican eyes another win after taking the Mactan leg by four strokes.

Runner-up Ken Guillermo won’t be in the field, but competition remains stiff with South Cotabato’s Jared and Laurence Saban, Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin and Zach Casil, and Bukidnon’s Mico Woo all chasing the crown.

With deeper fields and higher stakes, the Negros Occidental leg promises not only continued rivalries but also the rise of new contenders in the ICTSI Junior PGT.

The series remains committed to developing grassroots talent into future champions and potential national team standouts.

The JPGT series then shifts to the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia, from May 19 to 21, before heading to Mindanao for a four-leg swing beginning at Del Monte Golf Club from June 25 to 27.