Batican turns course into playground

BUKIDNON , Philippines — After firing a seven-under 65 in the first round, Ralph Batican carded a stunning 11-under 61 yesterday to rule the boys’ 10-12 age category in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 3.

Batican mastered the Del Monte layout as if he designed it himself and won by 21 shots  on a whopping 18-under 126 total.

Though his age group played from the shorter white tees, Batican’s flawless 36-hole performance is remarkable, given the course’s challenges and hazards from tee to green.

He outplayed Ken Guillermo by 21 strokes, with Guillermo assembling a 147 after a 75 for second place. Quezon City’s Javie Bautista carded a 73 for third at 148.

Rafella Batican made it a family affair for the second consecutive week by ruling the girls’ 10-12 class with a one-under 143 total after a 71, winning by six strokes over Apo leg winner Brittany Tamayo, who matched par 72 for a 149.