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MANILA, Philippines — After a dominant showing by Mindanao-based players in the Mactan kickoff, the spotlight now shifts to the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club as Visayan hopefuls, led by Bacolod’s rising stars, gear up to defend home turf in the second leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series on May 14-16.
With division winners from the first leg returning to chase back-to-back titles, the challenge is clear — but for Bacolod’s young golfers, so is the opportunity. On a course they know well, and with home crowd support behind them, local bets are determined to rewrite the script.
Ana Marie Aguilar leads a strong Bacolod contingent in the girls’ 7-10 division, aiming to capitalize on their familiarity with the tight, tricky layout. She will be joined by fellow Negrense hopefuls Cecilia Jalandoni and Anezka Golez, all determined to challenge Cebu's Denise Mendoza, the runaway winner of the Mactan leg.
In the older age brackets, Gabriela Regino and Chelsea Ogborne – both determined to bounce back after tough outings in the opener – are looking to spoil Brittany Tamayo’s bid for a second straight crown in the girls’ 11-14 category of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Tamayo, who pulled off a come-from-behind win in Mactan, faces a tougher test this time with several fresh challengers, including Davao’s Johanna Uyking and Cebu’s Andrea Borromeo.
Meanwhile, in the boys’ 11-14 division, Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin and Zach Casil are set to challenge Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican, who dominated the Mactan leg with a four-stroke victory. With runner-up Ken Guillermo also confirming his participation, a wide-open and exciting battle is expected.
The premier boys’ 15-18 division also promises fireworks, with Bacolod’s Santi Asuncion, Raphael Aguilar and John Rey Oro locking horns with a loaded field that includes Visayan talents like Cebu’s Nyito and Yosef Tiongko, and Mindanao standouts James Teves and Blake Bautista.
Tashanah Balangauan, coming off a dominant victory in Mactan, braces for tough competition from local standouts Breanna Rojas and Amelia Valderrama, while former 11-14 campaigner Precious Zaragosa looks to make a strong impression after a runner-up finish last week while transitioning to the premier category.
While the likes of Tamayo, Balangauan, Lago and Batican look to extend their title runs, the Bacolod leg offers a different battlefield – one where course familiarity, grit and community backing might just be the edge Visayan bets need.
Adding intrigue to the contest is the transition in terrain. Unlike the Mactan Island Golf Course, the former Marapara layout is known for its tight fairways, menacing bunkers and hazards and unpredictable greens – conditions the local players have navigated countless times.
As the ICTSI Junior PGT continues its mission to build the next generation of Filipino golf stars, the Bacolod stop could prove a turning point – not just in the standings, but in setting the tone for a hotly contested series leading into the Mindanao leg next month.
