Crowded leaderboard expected at Del Monte

MANILA, Philippines — Patrick Tambalque rejoins the ICTSI Junior PGT Series with his sights firmly on a third leg victory and a coveted spot in the Match Play Championships.

He headlines the premier category field in the Mindanao Series 3, which begins tomorrow at Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

Tambalque, who tied for fourth in the nationwide circuit’s kickoff leg at Splendido Taal, went on to win the Visayas Series 2 in Bacolod and the Luzon Series 4 at Riviera in a multi-series campaign. The 16-year-old rising star from Cavite, who didn’t see action in the Apo and South Pacific legs, currently leads the 16-18 class with 37 points.

The players’ top two results from the four Mindanao events will determine their final rankings, with the top two from each age division gaining berths in the national finals. Additionally, only the top player in each category who competed in multiple series will advance to the Match Play Championship.

However, Tambalque braces for a tough competition this week with John Rey Oro, champion of the Visayas Series 1, also entering the 72-hole tournament with confidence, alongside his brother John Paul Oro and Cagayan de Oro’s Santino Lim.

Local talents Cole Quiño, Cliff Nuñeza, James Mesiona and Keith Pagalan are also strong contenders, utilizing their familiarity with the tight, pine tree-lined course situated 600 meters above sea level. The course has been instrumental in the development of some of the country’s top golfers, including legend Frankie Miñoza and former Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla.