Pinoy bets open bid in Jr World

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-nine of the country’s best junior golfers begin their quest for glory as they slug it out with the world’s leading players in different divisions at various courses in Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, California.

The Philippines is pinning its hopes on returning Callaway Junior world champions Bernice Olivarez-Ilas and Jed Dy to repeat but the duo will have their work cut out for them as they are competing as juniors in a higher age division.

Dy found rough sailing in the traditional tune-up tournament to the world championships, the San Diego Junior Masters held last July 8-9 and 11-12, where he finished tied for ninth to underscore the tough open field where anyone from 10 boys will have a fair chance to win.

The 11-year-old Olivarez-Ilas will also face tough competition in the girls Class C Division (11-12) both from the international field and from her very own Philippine teammates with all five Philippine representatives to Girls Class C being among the top favorites in the division.

The Philippines’ strength in this division was in full display at the San Diego Junior Masters with Sam Bruce coming from behind and scoring a tournament best three-under 68 to capture the title ahead of Olivarez-Ilas at second, first day leader Mikha Fortuna at third and Sophia Chabon at fifth.

The Philippine team will also expect solid performances from nine-time junior world champion Miya Legaspi and US Girls Amateur qualifier Pauline Del Rosario who will be both playing as seniors in the Girls Class B (13-14) over at Rancho Bernardo Resort.

Princess Superal, the spearhead of the ICTSI golf team, will also be expected to contend in Girls Class A (15-17) playing at Torrey Pines after showing fine form in qualifying for the US Women’s Amateur Championships and capturing the premiere girls division at the San Diego Junior Masters.

The same could be said of Sophia Blanco, the country’s third San Diego Junior Masters titlist this year, who will contend for top places in Girls Class D (9-10) playing at the Rancho Santa Fe Executive Course.