Twenty-four of the country’s top junior golfers, led by reigning world 8-under champion Dottie Ardina and the multi-titled Jayvie Agojo, are set to depart for the United States for the annual Junior World Championships in San Diego and two other important missions.
While a few players like Miguel "Little Tiger" Tabuena have long left and are now training in the US, the bulk of the delegation supported by the Philippine Sports Commission will be flying to the US via Philippine Airlines on July 3.
Joining Ardina and Agojo in the trip are John Kier Abdon, Miko Alejandro, Linnel de Villa, Mikee Camitoc, Debie de Villa, Bino dela Paz, Andrea Legaspi, Terence Macatangay, Mia Piccio, Justin Tambunting, Eugene Bunyi, Nico Sevilla, Geleen Handog, Aran Ray Olea, Wolen Juan Superal, Matet Salivio and Chris Jordan Mamaril.
They will be joined in San Diego by Tabuena, Carl Santos Ocampo, Andie Unson and Jobim Carlos who all left earlier.
The players were given a sendoff party by Jungolf at the Makati Golf Club in Malugay recently with PAL VP for marketing Bong Cruz, Federation chair Richie Garcia, Airlift Asia president Rico Brizuela and PSC sports development officer Analiza Arcenas among the top officials in attendance.
"Bring home the bacon again kids!," Jungolf chair Amalia Montecillo said.
Jungolf president Gerry Handog, meanwhile, said this year’s batch is one of the best-prepared in the long history of Philippine participation in the US after being toughened by the recent Samsung Jungolf Tour.
The kids also underwent a two-week training under noted swing coach Bong Lopez under a special arrangement with Manila Southwoods.
Handog also noted the support of Samsung, Airlift Asia, PSC and Manila Southwoods for the delegation.