Race to Junior PGT finals resumes

MANILA, Philippines — The race to the ICTSI Junior PGT Match Play Championships heats up as a host of talented golfers from Mindanao compete in Series 3 of the regional tour, set to begin Tuesday at the Del Monte Golf Club.

Transitioning from Apo Golf to South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates in Davao, the four-leg Mindanao Series now moves to Bukidnon, where the focus shifts to local talents vying for slots to the Match Play finals on Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.

The players’ top two results from four events will determine their final rankings, with the top two from each age division (8-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18) advancing to the national finals, along with other qualifiers from the Luzon and Visayas series.

Siblings Ralph and Rafella Batican have fueled their finals drive by dominating the 10-12 category at South Pacific.

However, they will face stiffer competition in the 36-hole tournament from fellow Bukidnon players and contenders from other cities and provinces. Notable competitors include Apo leg winner Jared Saban from South Cotabato and Javie Bautista from Quezon City.