Orchard hosts qualifier for US kids, world jungolf

MANILA, Philippines - The Orchard Golf and Country Club will again host the Philippine International Qualifier that will select members of the RP contingent to the US Kids and Teen Golf World Championships. 

At stake in the event to be played April 26-28 are 37 berths for 10 age groups for boys and nine age groups for girls.

This year’s qualifying tournament is recognized by the US Kids Golf Foundation as an international open event enabling any young golfer, regardless of nationality, residence, or origin, the opportunity to vie for slots to the Kids and Teen Golf World Championships scheduled in Pinehurst, North Carolina July-August this year.

Last year’s qualifiers – among others, Andres Saldana, Jama Reyes, Miguel Shah, Mark Anthony Arevalo, Jaime Oposa, Jose E.T. Sajulga, Alex Delfin and Alex Bernard Trinos III, and Miguel Ilas, Marie Josephine Anne Malabag, Jonah Paula Ilagan, Princess Superal, Joan Hortelano, Pauline del Rosario, Ria Atienza, Samantha Bruce, and Bernice Ilas – are expected face the challenge of other top and upcoming jungolfers.

They include those who performed well in the World Championships with Bernice Olivares-Ilas placing fifth for the girls 7-and-under division. Princess Superal competed with strong contenders and placed third for the girls 12-year-old division. Mia Legaspi proved to be the girl to beat as she placed first in the girls 11-year-old division.

Jointly presented by The Philippine Junior Golf Foundation (PJGF), Orchard Golf and Country Club, and by Great Depot, Inc. the Philippine franchisee of US Kids Golf, this tournament is now a regular schedule in the ICTSI Jungolf Summer Circuit. 

The circuit is also supported by the Pancake House Group, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak, Philippine Air Lines, McDonald’s, Smart Communications, Golf Depot, Dynamic Sports and Leisure Corp, and Pioneer Insurance.  

“The increasing number of sponsors to the Philippines’ development program for young golfers is extremely encouraging and allows higher level of competition which is essential in skills enhancement. This augurs well in promoting golf as a vehicle for character formation and family building,” said PJGF president Luigi Tabuena.

Ui Mendoza, Great Depot’s brand manager for US Kids Golf said: “Our kids were highly competitive in last year’s North Carolina world championships which mirrors their discipline and their parents’ commitment to the game. “

Application and registration for the tournament is now open. Application forms are available at the Orchard Golf and Country Club, the Philippine Junior Golf Foundation, and in Golf Depot outlets. 

For details, call up Philippine Junior Golf Foundation (Hazel Novero at 893 9599) and Great Depot, Inc. (Merashell de la Chica at 842 9099).