Inspired by the success of its inaugural staging, the Junior Philippine Golf Tour goes full blast on its second year with a 10-leg circuit featuring 18-hole tournaments at the country’s top championship courses.
Slated to start in May during the school break, the tour will boast three age-group categories for both boys ang girls. The competition structure will see players aged 15-18 clashing in four rounds, while the 8-10 and 11-14 divisions will compete in 36-hole and 54-hole tournaments, respectively.
Mona Sarines, a grand finalist in the girls’ 11-12 class from the inaugural JPGT at The Country Club last October, shared her preparation strategy, emphasizing improvement in her short game and overall course management.
“I prepare by practicing more on my short game and around the green and by improving my course management,” said Sarines.
Mona and siblings Lisa and Vito and three other JPGT campaigners, Tiffany Bernardino, Jacob Casuga and Angelica Bañez graced the launch of the second JPGT yesterday, also at TCC, all expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming circuit, particularly praising the 18-hole tournament format.
Bernardino, who also reached the grand finals in the girls’ 11-12 side, underscored the mental challenges of the sport, expressing a passion for overcoming course difficulties and enjoying the game with friends.
“It is great to be on top of the podium, but what matters to me is beating the course, reaching my goals, and consistently improving my game,” said Bernardino. “Golf with all its challenges is a game that engages the mind and toughens the heart yet remains enjoyable. To conquer all the challenges the course brings while enjoying with my friends is motivation enough.”
The first JPGT, initiated by long-time golf patron Ricky Razon, chairman and CEO of ICTSI, which sponsors the men’s and ladies pro circuits and supports a number of top amateurs and lady pros’ overseas campaigns, also featured an 18-hole tournament and a drive-chip-putt competition to enhance the young players’ overall skills.
Notably, there are no membership fees and the JPGT is distinct from existing junior golf organizations.
PGTI general manager Colo Ventosa assured that scheduling conflicts with other junior golf bodies would be avoided, promoting a collaborative environment for the benefit of the young players.
“Everybody is invited to play (in the JPGT),” said Ventosa. “If they have a tournament, we make sure we don’t hold an event at that time, because the more tournaments, the better for the players.”
