Jungolfers dispute 37 US Kids berths

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s leading and rising kiddies and junior golfers vie for 37 berths in the US Kids and Teen Golf World Championships in the Philippine International Qualifier tournament set May 2-4 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

This marks the third straight year that The Orchard will host the qualifying tournament recognized by the USA-based US Kids Golf Foundation as an international open event.

“This is the third straight year that Orchard has agreed to host this major tournament. This is an affirmation of our shareholders’ commitment to support young golfers,” said Rene Garrovillo, general manager of Orchard Golf and Country Club.

The Kids and Teen Golf World Championships will be played in Pinehurst, North Carolina in July-August.

Last year’s qualifiers Sung Hwan (Steve) Yoon, Sebastian Lorenzo and Allenby Jiro Ramos, Gabriel Manotoc, Junho (Kenneth) Won, John Lester Lagman, Christopher Popp, Aidric Chan, Youn Woon Zoo, Alex Delfin and Alex Bernard Trinos III, Jed Dy, Miguel Ilas, Felicia Medalla, Princess Superal, Chanelle Avaricio, Mikhaela Fortuna, Bernice Ilas, and Missy Legaspi are expected to see action again. 

Dy placed second in the Boys 6 and below division in the US Kids tilt last year, so did Mikha Fortuna in the Girls 9 division. Junior golf sensation while Mia Legaspi retained her title in the Girls 11 category.

The three-day elims is co-presented by the Philippine Junior Golf Foundation (PJGF), Orchard Golf and Country Club, and Great Depot, Inc., the Philippine franchisee of US Kids Golf.

The event is also a regular schedule in the ICTSI Jungolf Summer Circuit backed by the Pancake House Group, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak, Philippine Airlines, McDonald’s, Smart Communications, Golf Depot, Dynamic Sports and Leisure Corp., Pioneer Insurance and PING golf.  

Ui Mendoza, Great Depot brand manager for US Kids Golf, attended last year’s world championships in North Carolina. “Our kids made us proud in last year’s world championships. One could really see their intense desire and commitment to play at a high level. What was truly remarkable was the maturity they all showed in the course which mirrors their discipline and their parent’s commitment to the game.”

Meanwhile, application and registration is ongoing. Forms are available at the Orchard Golf and Country Club, the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, and in Golf Depot outlets. For inquiries, contact PJGF (Hazel Novero at 893-9599) and Great Depot, Inc. (Merashell de la Chica at 842 9099).