Del Monte makes history, powers Philippines’ 1-2 finish at Junior World
MANILA, Philippines — Kamilla Del Mundo etched her name into Philippine golf history, capping a masterful campaign with a brilliant four-under 68 to capture the girls' 9-10 title in the prestigious Junior World Golf Championships on Thursday (Friday in Manila) in San Diego, California.
The victory ended the Philippines' seven-year title drought in junior golf's most celebrated tournaments and made the young Cavite standout the country's first Junior World champion since Aidric Chan conquered the boys' 15-18 division in 2019.
Even more remarkable, Del Mundo's breakthrough sparked a historic Philippine 1-2 finish as compatriot Mavis Espedido unleashed the tournament's lowest final-round score — a dazzling eight-under 64 — to storm back into a share of runner-up honors with Canada's Elizabeth Yang at the Singing Hills Golf Resort's Oak Glen course.
It marked one of the finest performances by a Philippine contingent in recent Junior World history, with Del Mundo finishing at 10-under 206 for 54 holes, two shots clear of Espedido and Yang, who both wound up at 208.
For Del Mundo, the victory was the culmination of years of dominance on the international junior circuit.
Already a multiple champion in Future Champions Golf (FCG) events and the US Kids Thailand circuit, the child prodigy displayed poise far beyond her years against one of the strongest fields in age-group golf.
Holding a slim advantage entering the final round after a second-round 70, Del Mundo wasted little time asserting control.
She birdied three of her first five holes, immediately widening the gap as closest challenger Miyu Tsunesumi of Japan faltered with bogeys on the opening two holes. The early swing proved decisive.
Although Del Mundo momentarily stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 6 and 8, she never lost command of the tournament.
Instead, she responded like a seasoned champion.
Displaying remarkable composure, she birdied Nos. 12, 13 and 15 during a flawless closing stretch, playing the final seven holes in three-under for a 68 that left the rest of the field chasing.
When the final putt dropped, Del Mundo had not only secured the biggest victory of her young career but had also delivered the Philippines its long-awaited return to the top of the Junior World podium.
If Del Mundo authored the championship performance, Espedido produced the day's most electrifying charge.
After sharing the opening-round lead with a sparkling 67, Espedido's hopes appeared to unravel following a disappointing 77 in the second round that dropped her from contention and left her six strokes behind Del Mundo entering the finale.
But the resilient Filipina refused to fade.
Instead, she delivered a spectacular redemption round.
She birdied four of her first nine holes to make an early move, then caught fire coming home with four more birdies on the back nine. Her flawless round of twin 32s was the best score posted by any player in the division throughout the tournament.
Although Del Mundo's steady brilliance ultimately kept the title out of reach, Espedido's remarkable comeback vaulted her into a share of second place with Yang, who also closed strongly with a 66.
The Philippine contingent's golden finish marked its best showing in years after several editions in which Filipino entries struggled to contend for podium finishes following Chan's triumph seven years ago.
Meanwhile, Zach Guico finished tied for third in the boys' 7-8 division after a second straight 61 to complete the tournament at 181, just five shots behind American champion Bode Berry.
Berry totaled 176 after a closing 58 before edging Poyraz Kocagozoglu of the United Arab Emirates, who shot a 58, in a sudden-death playoff.
Across the other divisions, however, the Filipinos found the going tougher.
Emilio Hernandez tied for 47th in the boys' 15-18 category with a 225 after a closing 79, while Alessandra Luciano finished tied for 60th in the girls' premier division at 227.
Jared Saban shared 62nd place in the boys' 13-14 class with a 225, while ICTSI-backed Lisa Sarines rallied with a closing 71 to finish tied for seventh at 216 in the girls' 13-14 division.
Brie Macasael placed tied for 25th in the girls' 11-12 category at 223, while Zoey Mascariñas ended tied for 20th in the girls' 7-8 division with a 215.
But this year's Junior World belonged to Del Mundo.
At just 10 years old, she delivered a performance worthy of the tournament's rich history — steady under pressure, fearless in the biggest moments, and convincing from start to finish.
For Philippine golf, it was more than just another international victory. It was the return of a nation to the top of one of junior golf's grandest stages, led by a young champion whose future appears every bit as bright as her historic triumph in San Diego.
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