Villaroman, Pak dominate 15-18 division at JPGT Pradera

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LUBAO, Pampanga – Zachary Villaroman and Korean debutant Seeun Pak claimed contrasting victories in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Junior PGT Championship on Thursday, ruling the 15-18 division in different styles.

Villaroman battled hard to clinch his first win after five legs of close calls, closing with a 75 for a two-over 218 total, while Pak cruised to a commanding debut title despite an 85 in the final round.

Both built sizeable leads over the first two rounds of the 54-hole event, the penultimate leg of the seven-stage Luzon series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., turning the last 18 holes into a coronation walk.

For Villaroman, the breakthrough was long overdue after one runner-up and three third-place finishes in earlier legs.

“It feels great to finally have a breakthrough after six legs,” said the 17-year-old Cangolf trainee, crediting improved course management for the win.

“This win means a lot. It serves as a stepping stone for all my international events this year,” he said after beating Jose Carlos Taruc by seven shots.

The victory also moved Villaroman to No. 3 in the rankings with 37 points, behind Patrick Tambalque (45) and Shinichi Suzuki (39), heading into next week’s final leg at Camp John Hay in Baguio.

Taruc finished second at 225 after a 76, while Kristoffer Nadales placed third at 234 following a 77, securing the No. 4 spot with 32 points. Taruc sits fifth with 30 points.

Only the top four players who have competed in at least three tournaments qualify for the Elite Junior Finals on Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club in Laguna, where Luzon’s best will face Visayas-Mindanao standouts in a Ryder Cup-style duel.

Pak, meanwhile, completed a 17-stroke romp over Tiffany Bernardino with a 249 total, highlighted by a second-round hole-in-one.

Bernardino closed with an 89 for 266, edging Chloe Rada, who had a 93, in the countback for second.

Angelica Bañez ended fourth at 276 after a 94.

Pak’s dominant performance came in her first JPGT appearance, solidifying her as a rising force despite missing next week’s John Hay leg due to a prior commitment.

“I wasn’t satisfied with my game today, but I’m thankful I won,” said the 18-year-old homeschooled student from Angeles City, Pampanga.

Pak admitted she skipped earlier legs due to a lack of confidence but trained extensively before making her debut.

In the younger divisions, Zoji Edoc and Ronee Dungca topped the 7-10 category, while Zianbeau Edoc and Lisa Sarines ruled the 11-14 division to join Villaroman and Pak on the winners’ podium.