SANTA ROSA, Laguna – The race for a coveted spot at the Junior World Championship in San Diego heats up as 77 of the country’s top young golfers tee off today, March 19, at The Country Club for a high-stakes, three-day qualifier.
The USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifying event promises a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and mental toughness as these rising stars compete for a chance to showcase their talent on the world stage.
For many players, this 54-hole elimination tournament is more than just a qualifier—it is a stepping stone toward a promising golf career, with college scouts closely watching performances for scholarship opportunities.
“The Junior World is very important for me because it allows jungolfers to meet a lot of college coaches. That’s where I got most of my scholarship offers,” said Ally Gaccion, a standout from Cagayan de Oro now linked with the University of Central Arkansas women’s golf team.
Gaccion spearheads the girls’ 15-18 division, where she will face tough competition from Lia Duque, Montserrat Lapuz, Crista Miñoza, Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, and Chloe Rada.
With all players bringing their A-game, the battle for top honors is expected to go down to the wire.
Gaccion, who tees off at 9:25 a.m. on No. 10 with Reese Ng and Anya Cedo, was one of four winners at last year’s Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Match Play Finals, where she claimed the 15-18 title alongside boys’ champion Zach Villaroman.
Also securing victories last year were Precious Zaragosa and Ralph Batican, who will lead their respective 13-15 divisions in this tournament.
The boys’ 15-18 division features an intense battle as Villaroman, son of two-time Junior World winner Carito Villaroman, takes on a star-studded field.
Among his top challengers are Tristan Padilla, Shinichi Suzuki, Luciano Copok, Alexis Nailga, Patrick Tambalque, and Geoffrey Tan.
Adding to the firepower are Emilio Hernandez, Alonso Espartero, Bryce Lacid, John Paul Agustin Jr., Santino Pineda, and Cliff Nuñeza, ensuring a fierce competition.
“My main focus is to prepare well so I can go out and have fun,” said Villaroman, who tees off at 7:50 a.m. on No. 1with Copok and Pineda.
“But at the same time, I want to put myself in a good position to win after two rounds.”
Villaroman also acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“TCC demands good shots, so I’m looking forward to the battle,” he added.
The 13-15 division promises an electrifying contest, with Zaragosa and Batican under pressure to defend their titles against a stacked field.
Zaragosa will take on Mona and Lisa Sarines, Alexie Gabi, Kendra Garingalao, Johanna Uyking, Tiffany Bernardino, Keira Que, Marqaela Dy, Khimberly Barroquillo, and Ma. Althea Bañez.
“I won’t set my expectations too high. My goal is to focus on every shot,” said Zaragosa, noting the importance of short game mastery at TCC.
She tees off at 7:35 a.m. on No. 10 with Uyking and Mona Sarines.
Meanwhile, Batican faces top young talents Matthias Espina, Mico Ungco, Inno Flores, Zian Edoc, Ken Guillermo, Miguel Orbita, Inigo Gallardo, and Javie Bautista.
He will play alongside David Teves and John Majgen Gomez at 8:25 a.m. on No. 10.
This Junior World Qualifier is sanctioned for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and serves as a key event in the JPGT’s 15-tournament calendar this year.
With WAGR points at stake in every leg, players are not just fighting for a spot in San Diego but also for crucial ranking boosts that could shape their golfing future.
