DAVAO CITY— Lucas de Guzman fired a two-over par 74 in the first round to lead the 6-under boys’ division of the Mindanao leg of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines Apo Circuit on Thursday at the Apo Golf and Country Club here.
The 6-year-old de Guzman birdied the final hole, his fifth for the day in this event that aims to discover new talents in the sport, especially in the region.
“It was a good game for me,” said De Guzman, a veteran of the 2022 IMG Academy Junior World Championships in the US and son of popular social media personality Lue and former Philippine Football Team training pool member Rommel.
With coach Toch “J3” Altea—mentor of pro golfer and Olympian Miguel Tabuena—guiding him, De Guzman enjoys a 13-shot lead on hometown bet and Mindanao champion Ethan Lago, who had an opening round 87.
Also leading their respective divisions are Nicole Gaisano-Gan, who had a 76 and leads Lisa Sarines (78) by two strokes in the 11-12 girls’ play. Stephanie Gaisano-Gan had an 87 and is up by eight on Soleil Molde (95) in 6-under girls’ division, Ralph Batican’s 74 leads participants in 9-10 boys’ bracket, while Brittany Tamayo’s 73 is the best performance in 9-10 girls’ group.
The second and final day of the 5 to 12 years old will be played Friday, while participants in the 13 to 18 years old categories will see action on Saturday and Sunday.
“We are happy with the turnout for the 5-12 years old, and we’re excited as well for the 13-18. We hope to discover new talents at the grassroots level, which is the mission of JGFP,” said JGFP president Oliver Gan of the tournament backed by Gaisano Malls, John Gaisano, Dimdi Furniture and Appliance Centre, Soleil Cafe and Islandwide Distribution Corporation.