BUKIDNON – Cliff Nuñeza showcased a blend of resilience and skill to capture the boys’ 16-18 title in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 3 at Del Monte Golf Club on Friday, fending off a late charge by John Rey Oro to secure a two-stroke victory.
Nuñeza, who led by two strokes entering the final round, solidified his position with an impressive front nine.
Despite faltering on the back nine, where he faced challenges on multiple holes, the 17-year-old managed to clinch the win with a crucial birdie on the 16th, finishing the day with a 73 and a four-day total of 299.
“I started well. I almost hit all the greens at the front side, which boosted my confidence going into the back nine,” Nuñeza said.
The local talent had previously finished runner-up in his JPGT debut at Pueblo de Oro last year and was determined to improve.
Nuñeza’s iron play, inconsistent in the earlier rounds, came through when it mattered most. He set up birdies on Nos. 1, 8, and 16, which helped offset mistakes on the back nine.
“My expectation was to hit my irons well, kasi yun ang naging problema ko the past three days. Today, it was all good,” Nuñeza added, expressing relief at his improved performance.
John Rey Oro, the Visayas Series I winner, attempted a comeback with birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 but ultimately fell short, finishing with a matching 73 for a cumulative score of 301.
Patrick Tambalque took third place, three strokes behind Oro, after posting a final-round 74.
In the girls’ 16-18 category, Cagayan de Oro’s Ally Gaccion delivered a dominant performance, finishing with a final-round 76 for a 289 total.
Gaccion’s lead was insurmountable, outpacing Crista Miñoza by a staggering 30 strokes. Miñoza ended the tournament with a 319 after a four-over final round.
“I played bad but I had fun on the course,” said Gaccion, a 17-year-old from Wellspring Christian School. “I was a bit relaxed, but overall, I was satisfied with my performance for the week.”
As the Mindanao Series moves to Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro next Monday, the stakes rise for the top competitors.
Nuñeza and Gaccion will be aiming to continue their winning streaks as they vie for ranking points ahead of the Match Play Championship at The Country Club in October.
