Young golfers overcome adversity to reign at JPGT Malarayat
LIPA CITY, Batangas – Four young golfers exhibited remarkable skill and determination, emerging victorious in their respective categories at the weather-shortened ICTSI Junior PGT Series 6 at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club here Tuesday.
Despite the challenging rainy and windy conditions across the Mt. Malipunyo, Mt. Makulot, and Mt. Lobo nines,Venus delos Santos and Aerin Chan delivered outstanding performances to dominate the girls’ 8-9 and 10-12 categories, respectively. On the boys’ side, Isonn Angheng and Inigo Gallardo showcased their prowess to secure top honors in their divisions.
The (8-9 and 10-12) tournaments, reduced to an 18-hole competition due to adverse weather on Monday, saw Delos Santos carry over the momentum from her commanding victory at Luisita two weeks ago.
The nine-year-old sensation from Bulacan overcame early mistakes on the second and third holes of the Mt. Malipunyo nine, rallying with a stunning run of five birdies starting from the fourth hole, ultimately seizing full control. Delos Santos added another birdie on the 14th (No. 5 of Mt. Makulot) before closing out with back-to-back birdies to finish with a remarkable 67. Kamilla Del Mundo from Makati placed second with a 77, while Athena Serapio from Sampaloc finished third with a 79.
"The wind and rain affected my game, especially my driving, but I was totally surprised to shoot five-under," said Delos Santos from San Rafael. "I didn’t expect it because I'm just nine years old and still figuring out my yardage. So I’m very proud of my game."
Chan continued her winning streak with a 77, securing a seven-stroke victory over Maurysse Abalos, who shot an 84. Quincy Pilac came in third with a 90, while Georgina Handog (93) and Casedy Cuenca (97) struggled in the tough conditions at the all-weather layout.
Chan's third consecutive leg victory in the Luzon swing of the nationwide series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., strengthened her bid for a spot in the Match Play Championship. The top four players in each age division, based on their best four performances, will qualify for the national finals set for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.
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