NEGROS OCCIDENTAL. — Ethan Lago and Denise Mendoza launched a strong push for the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals with commanding performances in the 7-10 age division, while siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican delivered contrasting rounds in the 11-14 category as the Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship got underway Monday at the tough Marapara layout here.
Amid challenging conditions on a rain-softened course and the pressure of playing on unfamiliar ground, juniors from Cebu and Davao surged early, stamping their class against local standouts and tightening the race for spots in the much-anticipated North vs South Finals.
Lago, the Mactan leg champion, showed poise beyond his years, carding a steady even-par 70 highlighted by three birdies and three bogeys. The eight-year-old Ateneo de Davao standout sank several long putts to build a commanding nine-shot lead over fellow Davaoeño Lucas Revilleza (79) in the boys’ 7-10 division.
“I sank some very long putts,” said Lago, whose composed demeanor belied the pressure of the high-stakes tournament. Looking ahead to the final round of the 36-hole event, he added, “I’m aiming to shoot even par and just keep playing my game.”
Cagayan de Oro’s James Rolida carded an 83, while Shaqeeq Tanog (87), Cebu’s Darren Ong (95), and Tobias Tiongko (96), struggled through hot and humid conditions.
On the girls’ side, Cebu’s Denise Mendoza overcame a roller-coaster start to fire a 72 and grab a huge 16-stroke lead over Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar (88), while Talisay’s Faith Reosura stood at third after a 90.
Tashanah Balangauan of Cebu delivered a statement in the girls’ premier division, rebounding from a triple bogey on the 15th with a clutch birdie on 16 to post 73 – three shots clear of Precious Zaragosa (76). Bacolod’s Breanna Rojas (95), Francine Jalandoni (108), and Amelia Valderrame (116) rounded out the division.
“My game was okay, but I hit some bad shots,” said Mendoza, a 10-year-old student from Cebu Learning Center, whose long and straight drives stood out despite struggles on the greens. “I really need to work on my putting. I missed a lot of makeable putts during the first 18 holes.”
Mendoza, currently tied for third in the season rankings with Francesca Geroy, is gunning for a third Junior PGT title. With only the top four players in each age division advancing to the Ryder Cup-style finals from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna, every stroke now carries extra weight.
In the boys’ 11-14 division, Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican delivered the day’s best round, firing a one-under 69 with five birdies against a double bogey and two bogeys. His dominant play gave him a whopping 19-shot lead over Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin (88), with Cebu’s Miguel Mesina (91), Bacolod’s Rafael Alvarez (93), and JM Sabroso (98) rounding out the leaderboard.
“I just need to stay focused, visualize my shots, and make solid putts,” said Batican, who needs a strong finish here and in the final leg in Binitin to qualify for the finals, as players must compete in at least three tournaments to be eligible.
His younger sister, Rafella, also made her presence felt, bouncing back from a shaky mid-round stretch to shoot a 73 and seize the lead in the girls’ 11-14 division. Cebu’s Zuri Bagaloyos trailed by three after a 76, with Andrea Borromeo (80) and Bacolod’s Chelsea Ogborne (80) further behind.
The 11-year-old Montessori student started strong with a birdie on No. 2, but four bogeys in her final 11 holes left her looking for improvements.
“Just stay positive and don’t let bad shots affect your mindset,” said Rafella, who made a crucial par save on the 17th with a long-range putt, highlighting her resilience.
With both Baticans currently outside the top four in their respective divisions – Ralph at eighth and Rafella at 10th – the pressure is on for the siblings to deliver big finishes in the final legs.
In the boys’ 15-18 division, hometown bet John Paul Oro kept Bacolod’s hopes alive with a solid even-par 70. He mixed two birdies with two bogeys to build a five-shot lead over grand finalist and Bukidnon ace Alexis Nailga (75).
“My putting really clicked – I got into a rhythm, especially with several recoveries and three par saves,” said Oro in Filipino. “There’s a lot of pressure because the other players are really strong. My plan is to stick to fairways and greens, then just two-putt in the next two days.”
Bacolod’s Azie Acuña IV, Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III, and John Rey Oro shared third with 76s in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
The 16-year-old Balangauan, who trains at Alta Vista and Cebu Country Club and studies at St. Benedict Education Centre, found success on two of Marapara’s par-3s. She birdied No. 8 with a rescue 5-wood that landed near the pin, and No. 16 with a 3-wood tee shot that stopped within 15 feet – both followed by confident putts.
Those highlights offset a triple bogey on the par-4 15th, where she struggled with bunker play.
“I miscalculated my bunker shots, and my tempo was off on that hole,” she said of the triple bogey. But she remained undeterred. “It’s a challenging course – much longer than what I’m used to. Staying in the fairway and being accurate are key.”
