Junior golf launches ’13 program

Four major events including an international competition and a junior version of the PAL Interclub will highlight a busy first half of the year for local jungolfers under a program being lined up by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

The 2013 schedule from January to May released by the JGFP includes Northern Luzon Junior Open in Baguio, the multi-nation Montecillo Cup on April 2-5 at the Orchard, the Pancake House Junior World Qualifying also in April in three courses, the Faldo Series Asia Philippine qualifying and the US Kids World Championship local qualifier also at the Orchard and two summer circuits in Visayas and Mindanao.

The JGFP has also finalized the staging of the inaugural jungolf version of the PAL Interclub, the country’s biggest amateur event, in Bacolod this coming May.

Ten school season series events and two summer circuit legs will be intertwined with these major events plus a rules seminar and a performance clinic to complete the biggest ever first half program of the JGFP since its founding in 1976.

JGFP president Luigi Tabuena and chair Gerry Handog said that all these exciting developments in Philippine jungolf are all because of the outpouring of support from the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and other backers like the Pancake House Group and the local golf clubs.

“The pledges of commitment from various sectors are very encouraging and we’re optimistic about the future of jungolf,” both said.

The ultimate goal, they said, is making golf affordable and available for all kids in coordination with various stakeholders.

The JGFP has been instrumental in the steady turnover of top caliber talents among them pro hotshots Angelo Que, Juvic Pagunsan and Miguel Tabuena and LPGA star Jenny Rosales as well as Dottie Ardina and Jayvie Agojo.