JPGT Finals: North to employ pressure in search of title repeat

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — Team North will open its title defense in the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals with a simple formula: play clean, stay patient and keep the pressure on until host South cracks.

But with South armed with home-course familiarity, a deeper pool of battle-tested qualifiers and a determined bid to avenge last year’s defeat, North knows it cannot afford to take anything for granted when the Ryder Cup-style championship gets under way tomorrow at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Coach Joey Anciano has stressed teamwork and smart decision-making as the keys to North’s campaign, particularly in the opening four-ball and foursomes matches where partnerships and momentum can quickly swing the complexion of the competition.

“Our main focus is teamwork and keeping the pressure on. In both formats, we want our players to play smart, stay patient, and trust their partners,” said Anciano. “But the goal is to play clean golf and let them make the mistakes.”

That approach will be tested immediately as North faces a South side determined to turn its local knowledge into an early lead.

The Southerners are expected to draw confidence from their familiarity with Pueblo de Oro, particularly in the delicate shots around the greens, while several new faces have strengthened the lineup after earning places through the grueling six-leg regional qualifying series.