By Waylon Galvez
With the full backing and sanction of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines will take junior golf to a new level as it stages the first-ever JGFP World Junior Team Championship 2026 this April in Davao City.
JGFP president Oliver Gan said preparations are in full swing for the tournament, scheduled from April 16 to 19 at Apo Golf and Country Club, calling it a major step forward in the development of young Filipino golfers.
“We are very excited to stage a first-of-its-kind event in the country — a world team competition for junior golfers aged six to 18,” said Gan.
“This is part of our mission to provide high-level competition for our players, and having the NGAP’s sanction and support makes this tournament even more significant.”
According to Gan, the involvement of the NGAP — led by its president, Martin Lorenzo — has helped generate strong international interest. Gan recently met with amateur golf “godfather” Mikey Arroyo and NGAP secretary-general Bones Floro.
The JGFP has already reached out to various golf federations abroad and has received positive responses, including assurances that top junior players will be sent to compete.
Countries that have already confirmed participation include South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, and Thailand, led by 2023 Junior World champion Wirada Tawinsang.
With NGAP’s support, the JGFP is also in talks with federations from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia.
As host nation, the Philippines will field four teams, with players to be selected through qualifying tournaments in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region to ensure nationwide representation. Filipino-American Teagan Tudla, the 2022 World Junior champion, is expected to compete in the tournament.
Gan added that the busy competition calendar reflects a renewed push for junior golf development.
“It’s going to be a very active year for our young golfers, especially in the first half,” said Gan.
“Alongside the return of inter-school and local tournaments, we’ll have the qualifiers and then the world junior team championship itself — made possible with the strong support of the NGAP.”
