DAVAO – Aldrien Gialon demonstrated remarkable resilience at the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series I, securing the boys’ 16-18 category title with a 76 at Apo Golf and Country Club on Friday.
Overcoming a quadruple bogey on the par-5 No. 3, Gialon finished strong with two birdies in the last six holes, leading to a decisive 10-stroke victory.
“There was pressure in the first three holes, but I didn’t lose my composure after the quadruple bogey on No. 3,” Gialon said. His focus and determination helped him regain control, highlighted by a closing round of 40-36, culminating in a 72-hole total of 310.
Adrian Bisera, who finished second, and Rainier Tagwalan, who placed third, couldn’t match Gialon’s fiery finish.
Bisera ended with an 81, and Tagwalan with an 85, in the premier division of the four-age category series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
In stark contrast to Gialon’s composed play, Bisera stumbled with three bogeys in the same stretch where Gialon excelled, resulting in a final score of 320.
Tagwalan struggled on the back nine, finishing with 41-44 for a total of 323.
Kenly Wacan and Gian Bullecer rounded out the top five, scoring 331 and 332, respectively. The tournament, sponsored by ICTSI, tested players with its challenging conditions and sweltering heat.
“As the competition tightened, I became more focused,” Gialon added, reflecting on his ability to recover from his early setback. His victory also earned him 15 valuable points in the race for the top two spots in the four-leg Mindanao Series, which leads to the Match Play Championship at The Country Club in Laguna in October.
Next up is the Mindanao Series 2 at the nearby South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates, starting Tuesday (July 30).
The Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon will host the third leg from Aug. 6 to 9, and the series will conclude at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro from Aug. 12 to 15.
The best two results from these events will determine the final rankings.
The top two from each age division, including boys’ and girls’ 8-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18 categories, will earn berths in the national finals from Oct. 1-4.
Players can compete in multiple series, with their best three scores considered, and only the top player from each age division advancing to the finals.
Registration for the rest of the JPGT Mindanao series is ongoing.
For details, contact PGTI’s Jhi Castillo at 0928-316-5678 or Shiela Salvania at 0968-311-4101.
