Young Carito, Gem of World Jungolf

MANILA, Philippines - Before the likes of Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena, Carito Villaroman was the country’s gem of a golfer, lording it over the field in what has long been considered as the breeding ground of golf talents – the Junior World in San Diego.

He played alongside Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els and beat them and won the Junior World crown not just once but three times – in 1983, 1985 and 1986.

“Back then I felt that I really worked hard and believed that we Filipinos can win,” said Villaroman, recalling his greatest moment as a jungolfer.

He considers his victories in 1983 and 1986 as the sweetest, the closest in his heart.

“During the 1983 finals, I needed to birdie four of the last five holes to get into the playoff then I birdied all three playoff holes to win by one,” said Villaroman, who also copped the Asian Juniors crown in the same year.

Three years later, he reigned again – in record fashion, as he turned in a mind-boggling 15-under par to break all records, humbling then prodigies Mickelson, Els and Japanese Shigeki Maruyama.

He actually bested Mickelson twice in 1986, the other in the US Juniors to reach the semifinal round.

Winner of the 1984 national amateurs, Villaroman also turned in a third place finish in the NCAA and the World Amateur

“Back then I felt that I worked the hardest so I deserved that win. But now things are different, I realize that the victories we have and experience in life are all by the grace and the goodness of God through Christ.

Though his Junior World record remains unmatched to this day, Villaroman believes future Filipino players can match or surpass his achievements.