BAGUIO. – Jose Luis Espinosa and Brianna Macasaet turned the final round of their 36-hole competition into a triumphant march, capitalizing on the cool breeze to cruise to victories in the 8-10 category of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 3 at the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club here Tuesday.
Both led by wide margins after the first round and faced little pressure in the final 18 holes but continued to deliver, maintaining their form in preparation for future campaigns.
“I think I played my best,” said the 10-year-old Espinosa, who closed with an 87, finishing 23 strokes ahead with a 175 total, far ahead of surpassing Zoji Edoc who assembled 198 after a 100. Kevin Tecson placed third with 201 after a 105 in the youngest category of the three-division series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Espinosa, who led Tecson by 8 after the first 18 holes, played pressure-free as his competitors struggled on the demanding course, which tests every aspect of a player’s game.
“It’s a good experience playing in JPGT. With a happy mindset, I think I’ll do better in the next tournaments,” added Espinosa, who credited his supportive parents and coaches for his success.
Macasaet won in her debut in the ICTSI-sponsored series by demonstrating remarkable consistency on a challenging layout, claiming a 16-stroke victory with back-to-back rounds of 81 for a 162 total.
Pradera Verde leg winner Georgina Handog rallied with an 83, highlighted by an eagle-3 on the 10th hole, to finish second with 178, while Casedy Cuenca placed third overall with 189 after a 96.
“I’m proud of my game. This is fun. I got to improve my skills by playing on a challenging course with many turns and bunkers. It’s so adventurous,” said Macasaet, who relied on her long game and excellent pitching to dominate the field.
In the 15-18 category, Rafa Anciano surged to a three-stroke lead in the girls’ division with 179 after an 87, thanks to a pivotal birdie on the last hole, the par-3 No. 9, for a huge three-shot swing.
Montserrat Lapuz, initially tied with Anciano, slipped to second after a double-bogey on the ninth for a 92 and 182, while Chloe Rada made it a three-way contest with 183 after an 89.
Anciano credited improvements in her short game and putting, emphasizing her caddy’s role in reading the sidehill birdie putt on the last hole from an elevated mound. With a better understanding of the demanding layout gained over the past two days, she expressed confidence in her approach for the upcoming rounds, saying: “I know the course better now and feel prepared to tackle its challenges.”
