Top Juniors Compete in Junior World Qualifier at TCC

Seventy-nine of the country’s most promising junior golfers are set to take on one of the biggest challenges of their young careers at the USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifiers from March 19-21 at The Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

At stake are coveted berths in the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego, California.

For these rising stars, the Junior World Championship is more than just another tournament—it’s a proving ground for the world’s best young golfers. The qualifiers at TCC promise intense competition as players battle for a chance to compete on the global stage in July.

Four champions from last year’s Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Match Play finals headline the stacked roster. They aim not only to secure spots in San Diego but also to prepare for the highly anticipated JPGT season, which kicks off next month at Eagle Ridge.

For the first time, The Country Club is hosting a Junior World qualifier, presenting a fresh and formidable challenge for all participants.

Sanctioned for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, the qualifier is a key event in the JPGT’s 15-tournament calendar this year.

The returning champions include girls’ 13-15 winner Precious Zaragosa, boys’ 10-12 champion Ralph Batican, and 16-18 titlists Ally Gaccion and Zach Villaroman.

The TCC qualifiers will feature fierce competition across multiple divisions, including boys and girls in the 13-14 and 15-18 categories. Meanwhile, the 12-and-under players will compete in separate eliminations at Eagle Ridge.

Only the winners of each category will earn a spot in the San Diego championship, along with medals, certificates, and free round-trip airfare to the U.S. The next three finishers will receive medals and certificates, recognizing their strong performances.

Adding to the challenge, a cut will be made after 36 holes. Only the top 10 per division and those within six strokes of the fourth placer will advance to the final round. Players who score 95 or higher in any round will be eliminated, ensuring a high level of play throughout the event.

The girls’ 13-14 category promises an exciting showdown, with contenders including Johanna Uyking, Francesca Gan, Tiffany Bernardino, Kendra Garingalao, Alexie Gabi, Keira Que, Mona Sarines, Lisa Sarines, Marqaela Dy, Khimberly Barroquillo, and Ma. Althea Bañez.

In the boys’ division, Batican will face formidable challengers, including Matthias Espina, Mico Ungco, David Teves, Inno Flores, Zian Edoc, Jose Jacobo Gomez, Anthony Zingapan, and Miguel Orbita.

Javie Bautista, Ken Guillermo, John Majgen Gomez, Peter Calimag Jr., Inigo Gallardo, and Guio Pasquil are also expected to make an impact, ensuring a battle of precision, strategy, and resilience on TCC’s demanding course.

The 15-18 category promises to be just as electrifying, with Gaccion set to compete against a deep field of contenders, including Tashanah Balangauan, Lia Duque, Montserrat Lapuz, Crista Miñoza, Lia Rosca, Rafa Anciano, Chloe Rada, Anya Cedo, Reese Ng, Celine Abalos, Alessandra Luciano, Levonne Talion, Jada Santiago, Lois Laine Go, Ma. Angelica Bañez, and Arianna Ramos.

Villaroman will also face stiff competition, with 35 other skilled golfers vying for the title. Among them are Emzo Chan, Emilio Hernandez, Tristan Padilla, Seth Koa, Rafael See, Shinichi Suzuki, Akio Lee, Luciano Copok, Alonso Espartero, and Stefano Tami, along with Alexis Nailga, Bryce Lacida, John Paul Agustin Jr., Felix Saludar, Vince Naranjo, Cliff Nuñeza, Santino Pineda, Gabriel See, Geoffrey Tan, Francis Slavin, Bien Fajardo, Sebastian Sajuela, Patrick Tambalque, Jose Carlos Taruc, Scott Ng, Ace Pascual, Rafael Leonio, Harry Sales, Chaz Limketkai, Marc Nadales, Santi Asuncion, Jude de Leon, and Gabriel Lapuz.