Tambalque Fires 66 to Dominate Rainy JPGT Caliraya

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CAVINTI, Laguna – Patrick Tambalque delivered a bogey-free 66 in rain-softened conditions to seize the lead in the boys 15-18 division of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Junior PGT Championship on Wednesday.

The resumption of the Luzon series saw the Caliraya Springs Golf Club hit by overnight rain, softening the fairways and greens.

Gentle winds added to the challenge, but Tambalque, fresh off a win at Sherwood Hills and back after skipping the Splendido Taal leg, mastered the par-72 layout.

The 16-year-old Learning Links Academy standout birdied three of his first five holes on the back nine, then repeated the feat on the front, finishing with matching 33s under the lift-clean-and-place rule.

His six-under card gave him a seven-shot lead over Zachary Villaroman and John Paul Agustin, who both turned in 73s.

Kristoffer Nadales and Geoffrey Tan shared fourth at 75 in the 54-hole event, which offers Elite Junior Finals berths and World Amateur Golf Ranking points.

“Putting really carried my game – even long ones were dropping,” said Tambalque, who trains at Manila Southwoods and Riviera.

“I didn’t expect this score because of the tough weather, but I’m happy with how I played.

The key now is to stick to my process and not rush.”

In contrast, the girls 15-18 division featured a tight battle between Levonne Talion, Rafa Anciano and Tiffany Bernardino, who traded leads in mid-morning drizzle.

Bernardino, despite closing with back-to-back bogeys, took the lead with an 84, one stroke ahead of Talion and Anciano, who both carded 85s after late-round stumbles.

“It was a mixed round with lots of ups and downs, but my short game really helped me recover,” said Bernardino, 14, of Poveda College.

“I need to focus more on fairways, short game and better placements tomorrow.”

Chloe Rada shot an 89 and remained five strokes off the pace with two rounds left in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and launched by ICTSI in 2023 to develop grassroots talent and prepare future national standouts.

In the girls 11-14 division, Mona Sarines moved closer to a second straight win with a 73, fueled by a back-nine 36 that gave her a four-shot lead over twin sister Lisa, who closed with a 77.

“The weather forced me to adjust my club selections,” said Mona, 13, of Riviera.

“Tomorrow, I’ll work on my swing and targets to hopefully take another win.”

Alexie Gabi and Kendra Garingalao both shot 78s, while Eliana Dumalaog (83) and Kelsey Bernardino (85) trailed and are virtually out of contention.

In the boys 11-14 category, Jose Luis Espinosa and Vito Sarines closed with pars on No. 9 to tie early leader Jacob Casuga at 77.

Casuga had held the solo lead before a double bogey on the final hole opened the door for the tie.

“My driving and putting were solid, although the weather was tricky,” said Casuga, 12, of Santiago Integrated National High School.

“I just want to play for pars and enjoy the game.”

Espinosa, 11, of Ateneo, said he’s confident heading into the final round.

“I made bogeys, but I know I can par those holes.

I’ll score better tomorrow.”

In the girls 7-10 division, Winter Serapio posted a composed 76 to open a seven-stroke lead.

The eight-year-old from Immaculate Conception Academy overcame a shaky start with birdies on Nos. 4 and 7, going 37-39 despite damp conditions.

“I played good and bad – one-over on the front, slipped a bit on the back.

The rain made it tough, but my short game saved me,” said Serapio, who trains at Intramuros Golf Club.

“I just need to minimize mistakes and stay in rhythm.”

Penelope Sy placed second with an 83, followed by Tyra Garingalao (84) and Tyly Bernardino (109).

In the boys 7-10 class, Zach Guico carded a 73 despite six bogeys to lead by four strokes over Asher Abad (77).

Guico, seeking a third win in four legs, made five birdies but said his short game fell short.

“I think I was rushing or being too aggressive,” said the Montessori standout.

“I’ll try to stay calm and avoid forcing shots.”

Kenzo Tan stood third after an 81.