Davao golfers staged a remarkable comeback at the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series I, sweeping the 13-15 division titles on Thursday at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Johanna Uyking and AJ Wacan delivered stellar performances, claiming victories in their respective categories in wire-to-wire fashion.
Johanna Uyking dominated the girls’ division, finishing with a three-over 75 and a 54-hole total of 227 (79-74-75). She won by an impressive 24 strokes over fellow Davaoeña Merry Rose Wacan, who ended with a total of 251 after an 83. Jed Santinna Patosa, also from Davao, secured third place with a total of 333 following a round of 113.
“It feels great to win for the first time in JPGT. This victory is significant because all my hard work has paid off,” said Uyking, who will turn 13 this year. “I expected to win because I had a substantial lead after 36 holes.”
Uyking looks forward to the Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates next week, aiming to prepare diligently and perform at her best.
In the boys’ division, AJ Wacan showcased his skill with a commanding 23-shot victory, finishing with a three-day total of 229 after a remarkable closing round of 74. Despite a couple of bogeys on the back nine, Wacan pulled away with a birdie on the 13th and finished strongly.
“I’m thrilled to win for the first time in JPGT. Although there was pressure, I played with relaxation and focus,” said Wacan, 15. He highlighted his round with three birdies, including a 6-footer on No. 9, a 16-footer on No. 13, and another from pin-length distance on the 18th.
Joaquin Pasquil, eight strokes behind after 36 holes, ended in second place with a total of 252. Dexter Eiki rallied with an 83 to claim third place with a total of 262, while Santi Asuncion of Taguig, previously in third, fell to fourth with a 267 after a final round of 90.
“I will work even harder for the upcoming tournaments,” Wacan added, confirming his participation in South Pacific, Del Monte, and Cagayan de Oro over the next three weeks.
These victories set the stage for Uyking and Wacan’s bids in the Match Play Championship, which will bring together the top finishers from the nationwide circuit sponsored by ICTSI, aimed at developing young talent in the sport.
In the boys’ 16-18 division, local ace Aldrien Gialon edged closer to victory with a consistent third straight 78, maintaining a four-shot lead over South Cotabato’s Rainier Tagwalan with a total of 234 going into the final round. Tagwalan struggled on the back nine with a 44 despite a birdie on the 18th, finishing second with a total of 238. Adrian Bisera from Davao shot a second consecutive 81 to place third with a total of 239.
“Overall, my game was okay, but I had a lot of bogeys on the last nine holes,” Gialon said. “My shots were good, but my putting was shaky. Hopefully, I can perform well tomorrow.”
Gialon emphasized the importance of staying focused to handle the final round pressure, reiterating his game plan of hitting fairways and greens and making two-putts.
Earlier in the week, South Cotabato’s Jared Sared and Brittany Tamayo won the 10-12 division titles, while Cagayan de Oro’s James Rolida and Cebu’s Eliana Mendoza topped the 8-9 category in the series supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.
