MONA Sarines outdueled Precious Zaragosa in a gripping duel of skills and nerves, topping the putting challenge while finishing second in chipping and driving to claim the top honors in the girls’ 11-12 category of the Junior PGT 2023 Series at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna last Sunday.
Playing in such kind of skills contest for the first time, Sarines proved up to the task, pooling 115 points, including 55, 32 and 28 points in putting, chipping and driving, respectively, as she edged Zaragosa, who assembled 113 points on a top finish in driving (46), and runner-up and third place efforts in putting (46) and chipping (21).
Tiffany Bernardino scored 91 points, including a top-scoring 36 points in chipping, to place third in Round 4 of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
“It was our first experience being in a drive, chip and putt competition, speaking for myself and my three junior golfer kids (Mona, Lisa and Vito),” said Arminda Sarines. “Being used to the usual 18-hole tournament (and the US College Golf 36-hole rounds), this DCP provides a different twist — it is not only fun but also exciting, or as the kids would describe as “exhilarating.’”
Roman Ungco emerged No. 1 in driving. (43 points), wound up second in chipping (40) and placed third in putting (36) as he took the boys’ 11-12 trophy with 119 points in a big follow-up to his victory in the 18-hole stroke play format at Valley Golf last month.
