JPGT Mindanao swing on today

MANILA, Philippines — With qualification points for the North vs South Elite Junior Finals up for grabs, the country’s top junior golfers brace for a fierce battle in the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship, which comes off the wraps today at the challenging mountaintop layout of Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

The tournament ushers in the four-leg Mindanao swing of the nationwide series, which also includes stops at Pueblo de Oro (July 1-3), South Pacific (July 9-11) and Apo Golf (July 14-16). It is a key part of the Visayas-Mindanao circuit and marks a pivotal moment in the chase for spots in the prestigious Elite Junior Finals slated Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna.

With only the best three results counting toward the rankings, players are expected to go all out – not just for the win, but for crucial points to stay in the hunt for one of four coveted berths per division in the Vis-Min series, which will culminate in a face-off with the top performers from the Luzon swing in the national finals.

Leading the boys’ 15-18 category is Mactan leg winner Alexis Nailga and fellow Bukidnon bet and last year’s Match Play Finals winner Clement Ordeneza.