Jr. World qualifier on today

SANTA ROSA, Laguna  Philippines – The race for a coveted spot to the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego heats up as 77 of the country’s top young golfers see action at The Country Club starting today.

The USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifying event will feature the rising stars as they battle for their chance to compete on the world stage.

The 54-hole elimination tournament serves as more than just a qualifier. It’s a stepping stone toward a promising golfing future with college scouts closely monitoring the action in the big event in July.

“The Junior World is very important for me because it is a good tournament that makes jungolfers meet a lot of college coaches. That’s where I got most of the scholarships that were offered to me,” said Ally Gaccion, a standout player from Cagayan de Oro, now linked with the University of Central Arkansas women’s golf team.

Gaccion spearheads the girls’ 15-18 category, where she will go head-to-head with Lia Duque, Montserrat Lapuz, Crista Miñoza, Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion and Chloe Rada.

Gaccion, who tees off in the last flight at 9:25 a.m. on No. 10 with Reese Ng and Anya Cedo, was among the four winners of last year’s Junior Philippine Golf Tour Match Play Finals, claiming top honors in the premier 15-18 division alongside boys’ champion Zach Villaroman, also at TCC. The two others were Precious Zaragosa and Ralph Batican in the 13-15 bracket.

The boys’ 15-18 division is no less intense, featuring a formidable field led by Villaroman, son of two-time Junior World winner Carito. Villaroman is set to clash with a star-studded lineup, including Tristan Padilla, Shinichi Suzuki, Luciano Copok and Alexis Nailga.