Jr golfers set sights on JPGT success

THE Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) features looming young golfers who will plunge into action on Tuesday at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Mona Sarines, a finalist in the girls’ 11-12 division in last year’s inaugurals that featured drive-chipand-putt competition, is revved up for the competition.

“I’m focusing on refining my short game and strategic course management to ensure I’m at my best when it counts,” Sarines said.

Set apart from other junior golf organizations, the Jpgt—organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services Inc.—represents a new frontier for young golfers.

Javie Bautista, riding high on a wave of recent victories, emerges as a standout contender in the boys’ 11-14 category with the Ateneo standout poised to make his mark in the circuit and cement his status as a rising star in Philippine golf.

Top contender Race Manhit is maximizing every moment to fine-tune his game for the upcoming campaign.

“Just finished school, so practice is still limited,” said Manhit, who is also competing in the boys’ 11-14 category. “We focused on perfecting my short game since the yardage will be longer than last year.”

e 14-leg circuit, featuring 18-hole tournaments, is open to all youngsters aged 15 to 18 vying in four-round clashes. ose in the 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 divisions will compete in 36-hole and 54-hole tournaments, respectively.

e tour moves to Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, from May 28 to 31 while the Pinewoods Golf Club in Baguio will host the third leg from June 10 to 13.

The circuit will culminate in the Philippine Junior Match Play Championship at The Country Club in October.