Suzuki, Handog stand out in JPGT Pradera opener; Lee dominates

LUBAO, Pampanga – Ryuki Suzuki and Georgina Handog shone in the opening round of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 2, seizing the lead in the 8-10 age category with 72 and 87, respectively, even as Jiwon Lee scorched the Pradera Verde course with an eagle-spiked 66 in the premier division Tuesday.

Both Suzuki and Handog navigated the challenging greens with commendable skill with the former rebounding from early setbacks, securing birdies on Nos. 5 and 14 to edge out Jose Luis Espinosa by one stroke with a 37-35.

Espinosa, who led after 12 holes with a two-birdie, one-bogey card, stumbled with a double-bogey on the 16th for a 73, allowing the Splendido Taal leg winner to finish ahead in the 36-hole competition.

Monte Andaman trailed in third with a 92.

“The course is easy but the greens are very fast,” said Suzuki, lamenting a missed birdie putt on the par-5 No. 12, which he reached in two. “I three-putted it, and it’s really disappointing for me.”

Handog, making her debut in the series sponsored by ICTSI, stamped her class in the girls’ side of the youngest division of the three-category event with a 15-over round, nine strokes ahead of first leg winner Maurysse Abalos, who carded a 96.

Despite windy conditions, Handog’s birdie on the first hole set the tone for her round. Although she encountered bogeys, a double bogey and a triple bogey, her 87 established a commanding lead.

“It’s hot but I started out strong and good,” said Handog, demonstrating her readiness for the top spot.

Athalea Espedido carded a 98 for third.

In the girls’ 15-18 class spread over 72 holes, Lee positioned herself for another victory, firing an impressive 66, featuring an eagle and six birdies. Lee’s stellar play granted her a 12-shot lead over Reese Ng, who struggled with a 78, while Lia Duque posted an 82 for third.

“The game plan is to keep the ball in play to get chances for birdies or pars,” said Lee.

Starting at the third nine, she excelled with birdies and an eagle on No. 14, concluding with a remarkable backside 31 with three birdies in the last four holes.

She aims for conservative play in the upcoming rounds of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.,