Mona Sarines and Ralph Batican each scored 52 Modified Stableford points, sharing top honors in the 11-12 age group category while in the 9-10 class, Rafella Batican and Vito Sarines dominated with 42 and 54 points respectively in Round I of the Junior PGT Series 2023, held at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna on Sunday.
Mona Sarines carded a two-over 74 in stroke play, including an eagle and a birdie along with five bogeys, earning her 52 points. Ralph Batican matched her output with 52 points, recording three birdies and five bogeys in a two-over round.
In the 9-10 class, Vito Sarines secured the victory with 54 Stableford points, thanks to a round featuring three birdies and three bogeys for a score of 72. He narrowly edged out Ryuji Suzuki by two points in a tightly-fought finish. Rafella Batican emerged as the champion in the girls’ 9-10 category, posting an 84.
Suzuki finished with 52 points after a 74 in stroke play, while Jacob Casuga claimed third place with 51 points following a 75. The 18-hole event was organized by the Philippine Golf Tour and held as part of the ICTSI junior golf program, featuring players from the 9-18 age brackets.
Chanelle Gonzales secured second place behind Rafella Batican with 39 points from an 87, while Chime Cuenca finished third with 29 points after a 97.
In the girls’ 11-12 category, Lisa Sarines placed second to her sister Mona, scoring 50 points from a 76. Precious Zaragosa claimed third place with 47 points, posting a gross score of 79 and winning the countback against Pauline Tamayo, who also shot a 79. In the boys’ 11-12 category, Stefano Bautista took second place behind Ralph Batican with 45 points after an 81, while Lujo Gomez earned third place with 38 points from an 88.
Meanwhile, schedules for the 13-14 and 15-18 age group divisions (boys and girls) will be announced soon.