Oro, Sinfuego gain early lead in JPGT Iloilo golf tilt

ILOILO – Rey Oro navigated a challenging front nine, finishing with a six-over 76 to secure a three-stroke lead over Eddie Gonzales Jr. in the boys’ 16-18 category of the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Iloilo Visayas Series at the Iloilo Golf Club here Monday.

The opening round of the three-leg regional series showcased dominant performances across several age divisions on the demanding par-70 course. The heavily wooded layout, with its requirement for accurate drives, precise wedge shots and firm putting on sloped greens, tested all participants.

Oro managed one birdie against seven bogeys in wet conditions, emerging as the top performer after the first 18 holes of the 72-hole competition. His standout moment came on the par-4 sixth hole, where an errant drive hit a tree and landed in a fairway bunker. Oro reached the green and sank a 16-foot putt for birdie.

“Maganda palo at nag-click ang putting (I hit good shots and my putting clicked),” said the 17-year-old from Bacolod.

Gonzalez, playing two flights ahead of Oro, finished with a 79, thanks to birdies on two of the last four holes on the front nine. Despite a triple-bogey on the seventh hole, he stayed within striking distance.

Paul Oro also put himself in contention with an 81, while Arsenio Acuña IV, Rinz Vesinica, and Sean Sinfuego posted scores of 83, 84, and 85, respectively.

In the girls’ 16-18 category, Santa Barbara natives Rhiena Sinfuego and Necky Tortosa are set for a close contest. Sinfuego carded a 96, while Tortosa, who plays with one arm, scored a 102.

Tortosa, a senior at Santa Barbara National Comprehensive High School, expressed her determination to compete and her excitement about the tournament.

“I really wanted to play golf. Kahit ganito ako, kaya po pa din maglaro. I was really excited when I learned that the JPGT will hold a tournament here. So I trained and practiced the last seven days,” Tortosa said.

Sinfuego, an 18-year-old from Phinma University of Iloilo, shared her nervousness but also her joy at participating in the event sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

“This is our first time to play in JPGT at nakakakaba, pero masaya kasi nakalaro kami