BUKIDNON—A couple of first-timers powered hopes for a breakthrough start in the ICTSI Junior PGT Series, while a compelling mix of seasoned and emerging talents took charge in four other divisions in spirited play that marked Tuesday’s opening round of the Del Monte JPGT Championship here.
In the 7-10 category, Davao’s Soleil Molde and Jamie Barnes of Cagayan de Oro stole the spotlight from local bets, carding rounds of 77 and 72, respectively, at the challenging Del Monte Golf Club to move within 18 holes of a breakthrough win in the two-day tournament, kicking off the four-week Mindanao swing of the Vis-Min Series.
Molde, who competed in the Drive-Chip-Putt event of the JPGT circuit in 2023, is playing her first full JPGT 18-hole tournament with ambitions beyond just the leg win – including a coveted spot in the North and South Elite Junior Finals at The Country Club in October.
“It was fun. I actually expected to lead,” said the confident 8-year-old homeschooler. “One thing I like about golf is its challenges. In golf, you can also make friends with other people.” Molde shrugged off a stumble on No. 17 to preserve a 39-38 round and lead CDO’s Francesco Geroy by three.
Geroy bogeyed four times on the back nine for an 80 on a course playing under lift, clean and place rules due to softened conditions from nightly rain. Claren Quiño carded an 82 for third, while Sistine Yu and local bet Maegan Langamin turned in rounds of 86 and 87, respectively.
On the boys’ side of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., Barnes impressed with a steady 35-37 card highlighted by three birdies against one bogey and a double bogey, seizing a four-stroke lead over Davao’s Ethan Lago and Cebu’s Kvan Alburo, who both shot 76s.
“This is my first time, and I really like this course,” said Barnes, a student at Wellington College in Bangkok. Though new to the circuit, the 9-year-old already has 14-15 titles and about 20 trophies to his name. He capped his round with a brilliant chip-in birdie on No. 14 after finding his ball near the bunker.
