CEBU City – The Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) is set for an electrifying showdown as South Cotabato's Brittany Tamayo and Jared Saban make their highly anticipated return to the circuit. Both reigning champions from last year's series, they lead the title chase in the 11-14 division of the ICTSI Alta Vista Junior PGT Championship, which tees off Monday at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club here.
Proven Champions Face New Challenges
Tamayo and Saban, who dominated last year's series, are brimming with confidence despite skipping the recent Mactan leg due to prior commitments. Their proven winning form and experience in high-level competition make them immediate threats as they launch their campaigns in the Visayas-Mindanao swing. However, their return comes with a stern test, as the Alta Vista layout presents a markedly different challenge from last week's venue.
A Demanding Course and Stacked Fields
The par-72 Alta Vista course is known for its tight fairways, hazard-laden holes, and small greens, demanding precision, discipline, and sharp course management. The heat and unpredictable winds could further complicate scoring in the 36-hole tournament, adding an extra layer of difficulty for all competitors.
In the girls' 11-14 division, Tamayo faces a stacked field. Mactan leg champion Marqaela Dy is determined to extend her winning run, while a deep roster including Zuri Bagaloyos, Margaux Espina, Anezka Golez, Aria Montelibano, Andrea Borromeo, and Veneece Dumalaog is equally eager to challenge the returning standout. Eliana Mendoza also seeks a stronger showing after placing eighth in her debut in the higher age category, following a dominant stint in the 7-10 division last season.
On the boys' side, Saban braces for a fierce battle against a talented cast bannered by Miko Woo, Tobias Tiongko, Laurence Saban, and Daven Dy, along with rising contenders Shaqeeq Tanog, Kvan Alburo, and James Rolida.
Luzon Leg and Season-Long Stakes
Over in Luzon, the second leg of the JPGT series unfolds Tuesday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas, drawing another strong field eager to gain early ground in the season-long race. Organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., the JPGT regional series offers crucial ranking points, with each leg forming part of a six-stage circuit. The top four players in each division will earn spots on the North and South teams for the Elite Grand Finals set on Sept. 15-18, where the North squad will defend its title.
Intense Action in Younger Divisions
Meanwhile, action in the younger divisions remains just as intense. Akeisha Yocte and Ethan Lago aim for back-to-back victories in the 7-10 category. Yocte faces familiar challengers Avery Go and Zoey Mascariñas, with Ana Marie Aguilar, Cassandra Yu, and Jayenne Mesina further deepening the girls' field. Lago renews his budding rivalry with fellow Davaoeño Lucas Revilleza, while Darren Ong, Tiger Mangana, Alvaro Cañizares, Wendell Go, Thomas Ngo, Ashton Araw-Araw, and David Hing all set their sights on podium finishes.
Premier Division Battles
In the premier division, Tashanah Balangauan looks to sustain her dominant form following a runaway win in Mactan. However, she expects tougher resistance from Dominique Gotiong, Lois Lane Go, and Amelia Valderrama. The boys' premier title race, however, appears wide open with Mactan winner Alexis Nailga skipping the leg, leaving contenders Roman Tiongko, Sebastian Sajuela, David Gothong, Miguel Astor, Terrence Sy, Marq Dy, and Alfonso Rivera in a tight battle for top honors.
