Saso holds clinic, upbeat on future of Philippine junior golfers

MANILA, Philippines – Yuka Saso, who conducted a one-day clinic for the top Junior Philippine Golf Tour campaigners at The Country Club Wednesday, recognizes the wealth of golf talent in the country and lauded the JPGT program for boosting junior golf.

The 2021 US Women’s Open champion, who emerged from the junior ranks, expressed her belief in the effectiveness of the program put up by long-time golf patron ICTSI, which added the junior circuit to its extensive golf portfolio this year.

Having observed the tournaments and initiatives supporting junior golfers, she emphasized the significance of ICTSI’s role in providing valuable experience through a series of competitions.

“It’s great,” said Saso of the JPGT program. “I believe there’s so much talent here in the Philippines. With ICTSI supporting our junior golfers and helping them gain experience through a series of tournaments, I think, it’s a great way to train junior golfers.”

The JPGT, a season-long circuit held at various championship courses, culminated in the National Finals at the TCC last October. It featured a drive-chip-putt format and 18-hole tournament play where eight players shared top honors across four age categories for both boys and girls.

“I believe the program works because I played a lot of events as a junior (golfer). I’ve been watching the JPGT and have seen what they’ve been doing, giving the kids the best experience. I think it’s a great opportunity playing in the JPGT,” said the Tokyo Olympics veteran.

Saso highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and accumulating experiences. Following a clinic that included a three-hole demonstration, she exhorted the young participants to practice diligently and find joy in the process.

“What I’m trying to say is that they should have fun, and try to get experience as much as possible,” said Saso, who also addressed the perceived gap between junior players and professionals, expressing her desire for the youngsters not to feel distant from players like herself.

“I just hope they don’t feel that gap between us. As I always say ‘gusto ko lagi, parang malapit sila at di yung nararamdaman nila na malayo ako," said Saso, who reached a