Jet Hernandez seizes seven-shot lead after a bogeyless 65

Jet Hernandez.–NGAP PHOTO

Jet Hernandez seemed to have played a different course in the first round of the NGAP’s National Strokeplay Championship after shooting a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 to lead a flabbergasted men’s field gasping for breath at the Pinatubo course of Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga.

Hernandez, an incoming senior at the University of Denver which he represents in the US NCAA, played the first nine at five-under-par 32, highlighting his effort with an eagle 2 on No. 4 after driving the green and then canning a 15-foot putt.

“It was as if all the putts I looked at had a chance of going in,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said when asked of his faultless opening round. “I drove it pretty well also, found most of the fairways.

“And my putting really clicked, I think that’s the biggest thing,” added the psychology major, who won this event the last time it was held in 2024.

Young Vito Sarines matched par and is alone in second spot, with Emilio Hernandez, Jet’s brother, lurking another shot back even as Lisa Sarines and Tashanah Balangauan are threatening to make the ladies derby a two-sided race.

Sarines submitted a 70 to lead Balangauan by three shots after the JPGT leg winner in Mindanao fired a 73.

Precious Zaragosa, the 15-year-old from Canlubang, birdied her final hole, the ninth, as she salvaged a 78 to be eight adrift and with a lot of work need to matter in the weekend.

Maurysse Abalos, Jules Gaerlan and Crista Minoza made up a group that returned 79s.

National pool members Rolando Bregente and Chris Remate submitted 75s, falling prey to nasty weather and greens that were firm despite the rains.