Alexis Nailga Dominates with 66 at ICTSI Mactan Junior PGT Championship
LAPU-LAPU CITY – Rising junior golf stars from across the Philippines showcased their exceptional talent during the opening rounds of the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship at the picturesque Mactan Island Golf Club. The tournament witnessed commanding performances across multiple age divisions, with Mindanao's emerging talents overpowering their Visayas counterparts in the boys' categories while Cebu's homegrown players seized control of the girls' competitions.
Boys' Division: Nailga's Commanding Performance
Alexis Nailga, the 16-year-old golf prodigy from Bukidnon, delivered a spectacular performance in challenging conditions, firing an impressive two-under 66 to storm to a massive 10-shot lead in the boys' 15-18 division. Playing on the par-68 Mactan Island Golf Club course, Nailga demonstrated remarkable composure despite the sweltering heat and tricky greens that tested even the most experienced junior players.
The Bukidnon standout showcased the exceptional form that made him a dominant force in last year's regional series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Nailga's round featured six brilliant birdies that effectively offset a double bogey and two bogeys, highlighting his ability to recover from difficult situations. He capped his remarkable performance with three consecutive birdies from the 14th hole, including a spectacular long birdie putt on the challenging par-3 14th that sparked his late surge.
"I had trouble on the bunkers and greens, so I need to steady my driving and sharpen my recovery shots," Nailga commented after his round. His 34-32 card underscored his determination to maintain another strong campaign throughout this competitive season.
Meanwhile, Ritchie Go struggled with a 76, while Sebastian Sajuela settled for a 78, leaving both players trailing significantly behind Nailga as they head into the final two rounds of the 54-hole tournament.
Younger Boys' Divisions Showcase Emerging Talent
In the boys' 11-14 category, Ralph Batican battled through a shaky start but recovered impressively late in his round to card a 74, securing a one-stroke lead over Ken Guillermo. Guillermo shot a 75 that featured a remarkable eagle on the par-5 15th hole, demonstrating the exceptional skill level among these young competitors. Mico Woo remained within striking distance with a 77 as the division prepares for its final round.
Despite taking the lead, Batican remained critical of his performance, stating, "I didn't play well overall. I tried to stay composed but couldn't settle down." He pointed to a costly triple bogey on the par-3 16th after his tee shot landed on a rock and holed out with a 6. "That hole really hurt my round. I need to stay focused and improve mentally," he added with determination.
The boys' 7-10 division saw Ethan Lago card a solid 75 to lead Lucas Revilleza, who shot 77, while Darren Ong fell 12 shots back after an 87. "The greens were slower, so I had to adjust my putting," explained Lago. "I made a lot of birdies, and I want to keep the momentum going." Revilleza stayed within range with a closing birdie, setting up what promises to be a tight duel in the final round.
Girls' Division: Cebu Players Take Control
In the girls' division, Cebu's Tash Balangauan demonstrated exceptional skill and composure, taking firm control of the 15-18 division with a 79 that opened an imposing 12-shot lead over Lois Lane Go and Apple Gotiong, who both matched 91s. "It was a tough round, but I stayed composed and learned from my mistakes," Balangauan reflected. "I'll aim to come back stronger in the next round."
Marqaela Dy seized the spotlight in the girls' 11-14 class with an impressive 71 that gave her a three-shot lead over Zuri Bagaloyos and Eliana Dumalaog, who both carded identical 74s. Meanwhile, in the 7-10 division, Skye Yocte edged closer to a breakthrough title in the JPGT, carding a 77 to seize a four-stroke lead over Vanya Go and Zoey Mascariñas, who both shot 81s.
"I just need to stay focused. If I hit a bad shot, I'll try to recover and do better on the next one," said Yocte, a nine-year-old student at Bright Minds in Action Learning Village. She highlighted her impressive 43-34 round with birdies on holes 6, 12, and 14, demonstrating remarkable maturity for her age.
Luzon Series Wrap-Up: Suzuki's Dominant Victory
In related junior golf news from Lipa City, Shinichi Suzuki capped a dominant run in the JPGT Luzon Series with a closing 69, crushing the field by an astonishing 21 strokes to boost his bid for a Grand Finals berth. "This win shows that hard work truly pays off. Keeping God at the center gives me clarity and direction," Suzuki stated. "Even with a big lead, I stayed disciplined – fairways, greens, and smart putting."
The St. Francis of Assisi College standout finished at five-under 211 in the boys' 15-18 division, routing Tristan Padilla and Patrick Tambalque, who faltered with 76 and 78 respectively to share distant runner-up honors at 232. Starting the final round with a 10-shot cushion, Suzuki never relented, birdieing four of his first 15 holes and brushing off a double bogey on the 17th with a birdie on the final hole.
"My putting improved a lot, and my ball-striking really clicked," said Suzuki, whose command was evident throughout the tournament. His performance featured steady drives, precise irons, and a much-improved short game that turned a former weakness into a significant strength. "My short game has come a long way this week – it gave me confidence," he added. "But there's still work to do, especially on the greens."
Sibling Rivalry and Rising Competition
Lisa Sarines put sibling rivalry aside to dominate the girls' division in the Luzon Series, turning a close duel with twin sister Mona into a four-shot victory. A strong backside 36 lifted Lisa to a 74 and a 54-hole total of 229. Mona briefly closed within one shot after a frontside 37, but three bogeys in the last nine holes allowed Lisa to pull away decisively. Mona finished second at 233 after a 76, while Kendra Garingalao placed third with a 258.
Confident but grounded, Lisa credited hard work for her competitive edge as she steps up from the 11-14 bracket to the premier division. She noted the rising level of competition and her goal to keep improving to compete at the highest international levels. "My level of competition is pretty good; I can play internationally, but I know that I have to keep on working harder if I want to get to the top level," she emphasized.
The ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship continues to showcase the exceptional depth of junior golf talent across the Philippines, with players demonstrating not only technical skill but also remarkable mental fortitude and competitive spirit as they pursue their golfing dreams.
