STANDOUTS from the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) will stake their mettle against the country’s top touring pros in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Valley Golf Challenge set Tuesday at the Valley Golf Club’s South course in Antipolo City.
Patrick Tambalque, Jakob Taruc, Kristoffer Nadales, Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok-who dominated the North vs South Ryder Cup-style Finals-now find themselves stepping onto a stage many young golfers only dream of.
Angelo Que headlines the P2-million event as the three-time Asian Tour winner targets not only a third leg victory in the season-ending leg of the 10-stage circuit but also his first-ever Order of Merit crown.
He’ll have his hands full against fellow leg winners Fidel Concepcion, Guido Van der Valk, Reymon Jaraula and Rupert Zaragosa, as well as the battle-tested Clyde Mondilla, Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Zanieboy Gialon and Michael Bibat.
For Tambalque, Taruc, Nadales, Nailga and Copok, sharing the fairways with elite competitors is less on chasing trophies but more on soaking up lessons they can’t get anywhere else-how the pros manage pressure, attack courses, recover from mistakes and maintain discipline across four grueling rounds.
The 72-hole championship organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. is further strengthened by the entry of young stars Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus.
Sean Ramos and veteran Justin Quiban are also coming into the tournament fresh from a stint in Taiwan, with the final round being played Sunday.