Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship Kicks Off with Standout Performances Amid Challenging Conditions

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — The Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship commenced on Monday at the demanding Marapara Golf Course, highlighted by impressive displays from Ethan Lago and Denise Mendoza in the 7-10 age group, as well as contrasting efforts by siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican in the 11-14 division.

Despite a rain-softened course and the added pressure of unfamiliar terrain, promising young players from Cebu and Davao quickly asserted their presence, challenging local competitors and intensifying the battle for spots in the eagerly awaited North vs South Finals.

Ethan Lago, the reigning Mactan leg champion and an eight-year-old standout from Ateneo de Davao, showcased remarkable composure, carding an even-par 70 which included three birdies and three bogeys. His steady performance and successful long putts earned him a dominant nine-stroke advantage over fellow Davaoeño Lucas Revilleza, who scored 79 in the boys' 7-10 division.

"I sank some very long putts," Lago shared, displaying maturity beyond his years. Looking forward, he stated, "I’m aiming to shoot even par and just keep playing my game" in the final round of this 36-hole event.

Other notable participants included James Rolida from Cagayan de Oro (83), along with Shaqeeq Tanog (87), Cebu’s Darren Ong (95), and Tobias Tiongko (96), who faced challenges due to hot and humid conditions.

In the girls' 7-10 category, Cebu’s Denise Mendoza overcame a turbulent start to fire a 72, creating a substantial 16-stroke lead over Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar (88), with Talisay’s Faith Reosura in third after shooting 90. Mendoza, a 10-year-old from Cebu Learning Center, attributed her success to powerful, accurate drives despite difficulties on the greens.

"My game was okay, but I hit some bad shots," Mendoza admitted. "I really need to work on my putting. I missed a lot of makeable putts during the first 18 holes."

Currently tied for third in the season rankings and aiming for her third Junior PGT title, Mendoza emphasized the importance of every stroke as only the top four players per division will move on to the Ryder Cup-style finals scheduled from September 30 to October 3 at The Country Club in Laguna.

In the boys’ 11-14 division, Ralph Batican of Bukidnon delivered the day's best round, a one-under 69, featuring five birdies alongside a double bogey and two bogeys. His performance granted him a commanding 19-shot lead over Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin (88), with Cebu’s Miguel Mesina (91), Bacolod’s Rafael Alvarez (93), and JM Sabroso (98) completing the leaderboard.

Reflecting on his game, Batican remarked, "I just need to stay focused, visualize my shots, and make solid putts." With qualification dependent on competing in at least three tournaments, he recognizes the necessity of strong finishes here and at the upcoming Binitin leg.

Meanwhile, his sister Rafella rebounded from a difficult mid-round stretch to record a 73, claiming the lead in the girls’ 11-14 division. Cebu’s Zuri Bagaloyos followed three strokes behind with 76, while Andrea Borromeo and Bacolod’s Chelsea Ogborne each scored 80.

The 11-year-old Montessori student started brightly with a birdie on the second hole but faltered with four bogeys in her final 11 holes. She stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, stating, "Just stay positive and don’t let bad shots affect your mindset." A key moment was her long putt for par on the 17th hole, demonstrating her resilience.

Currently positioned outside qualifying spots — Ralph at eighth and Rafella at tenth — the Batican siblings face pressure to perform well in the remaining legs.

In the boys’ 15-18 bracket, local favorite John Paul Oro carried Bacolod’s hopes with a solid even-par 70, balancing two birdies and two bogeys to lead by five strokes over grand finalist and Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga (75). Bacolod’s Azie Acuña IV, Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III, and John Rey Oro shared third place with scores of 76 in this 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Sixteen-year-old Tashanah Balangauan, representing Cebu and training at Alta Vista and Cebu Country Club, made notable shots on Marapara’s par-3 holes. She birdied the eighth hole with a well-executed rescue 5-wood near the pin and again struck a 3-wood tee shot within fifteen feet at the sixteenth, both set up for confident putts.

Despite a triple bogey on the par-4 fifteenth due to misjudged bunker shots and disrupted tempo, Balangauan remained undeterred, emphasizing the course’s length and difficulty. She noted, "It’s a challenging course – much longer than what I’m used to. Staying in the fairway and being accurate are key."