Charles Hong claims record 3rd junior title

Charles "Chuckie" Hong secured his record third Cebu Country Club Junior Championship with a convincing 8 & 6 victory over BigJan Ybañez in the final yesterday. But it wasn't as easy as most would believe.

In the first 18 holes of play, it looked like a major upset was in the offing as the heavy underdog, BigJan Ybañez, took an improbable 1-up lead against Charles Hong. During the second 18, Hong displayed the form that earned him the Men's Club Championship by taking 9 of the next 12 holes and making only one bogey in that stretch.

I was surprised to be one down after 18 holes, but BigJan played very well," remarked the champion. "Being only thirteen years old, he qualifies to play four more junior club championships and he can beat my record by winning them all as long as he will practice hard."

For Ybañez, it was his second trip to the Junior Club Championship finals in three years - no easy feat considering he is only thirteen years old now. In going one-up over Hong in the first 18 holes, he showed a glimpse of what the future may hold for this promising young golfer.

Hong has now become a permanent part of CCC golfing lore. He was the lowest seeded player ever and the first jungolfer in 20 years to win the Men's Club Championship. Now, he becomes the only player ever to be Men's and Junior Champion in the same year - as well as the only junior to win three junior club championships.

"Chuckie is our greatest champion and a true representation of what the CCC Jungolf Program is all about," said jungolf chairman Jovi Neri. "He has done what no one else has, yet he has remained humble and approachable to all the juniors who look up to him."

"This is a perfect ending to my junior golf career," said Hong who turns 18 on June 26, which is the age when jungolf ends. What a spectacular junior golf career it turned out to be for him.

He has conquered tournaments as far as Japan, became a CCC Men's Team member in the PAL Interclub, was a junior golf awardee by the Cebu Sportwriters' Association, shot a 69 to win the Nike Golf tournament last December, and then the Men's and Junior Cub Championships he owns.

While other jungolfers will be relieved that Hong will no longer be in the field for their tournaments, Hong will still be sticking around with the jungolfers during his spare time in his breaks from school where he is an incoming sophomore in De LaSalle University.

"I have enjoyed the summer a lot, especially the times spent with the juniors whether it's our lunch out sessions, rafting in Cagayan, playing cards in the locker, or basketball. I will always bond with them when I'm around and will always remain a jungolfer at heart," said Hong.

As has always been the tradition for junior club championships, the finalists were caddied by fellow juniors. Hong's bag was carried by Charles Daniel Uy, while Ybanez's bag was toted by Francis Jereza.

Hong will play his final junior golf tournament in the Junior-Senior Classic on May 27 and 28, where he will be paired with either of his parents. May 28 will also be the awarding for the entire summer program, where Hong will also receive his championship trophy. - NLQ