Serdenia, Suzuki share lead

MANILA, Philippines — A mix of tight and commanding finishes defined the start of the 2025 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Junior PGT Championship at the Norman course of Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite yesterday.

But it was the boys’ 15-18 division that delivered the day’s drama, as Charles Serdenia and Shinichi Suzuki – both bound for the Junior World Championships – carded identical 76s to pace the 54-hole tournament, finishing five strokes ahead of Enzo Cham.

Serdenia, fresh off a win at a special Junior World Qualifier in Splendido Taal, surged with a 37 at the front nine but stumbled to three bogeys in the final six holes, finishing at four-over, enabling Suzuki, who turned in 38s on both nines, to draw level atop the leaderboard.

“My round was okay, but my putting was really off. The course was super difficult and it was extremely hot – we had to rehydrate every three holes,” said 16-year-old Serdenia in Filipino.

Despite sharing the lead, Suzuki, also 16, admitted he wasn’t satisfied with his round.

“The greens were quite firm and tough to hold, so it took me a while to adjust to the conditions. I struggled hitting greens in regulation and missed several up-and-down chances and birdie opportunities,” said Suzuki.

“It was very disappointing. Hopefully, I can step up my game tomorrow,” he added.