JPGT Finals: North bent on keeping crown

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Team North heads into the 2026 ICTSI Elite Junior Philippine Golf Tour Finals determined to seize the early momentum, but expects a far tougher challenge from a South squad eager to capitalize on home-course advantage when the Ryder Cup-style championship unfolds Aug. 17-20 at Pueblo Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro.

The event, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and which serves as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) counting tournament, brings together the top 48 junior golfers from the six-leg Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) series in a battle for regional supremacy.

North claimed a convincing 26 1/2-21 1/2 victory in last year’s inaugural edition at The Country Club in Canlubang after dominating the opening two team formats before finishing the job in singles. That experience has reinforced the importance of making a fast start, particularly in the Four-ball and Foursomes sessions where momentum can quickly swing an entire match.