RESURGENCE marked the boys’ division while sheer domination defined the girls’ side as Zoji Edoc and Tristan Padilla led their respective divisions in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. John Hay Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Championship Tuesday at the quaint yet punishing John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City.
Edoc seized control in the boys’ 7-10 category with a blistering three-under 66, building a four-shot lead over Summit Point leg winner Zach Guico.
The rising star from Taytay surged early, firing six birdies over the first 10 holes as he deftly navigated the course’s uphill climbs and downhill drops, where club selection and touch became crucial in the thin mountain air. ‘This leg is especially important given the strength of the field, and I’m doing everything I can to come out on top,’ said Edoc, who appeared more nervous answering questions than tackling the John Hay challenge.
‘I struggled with my approach shots and putting at Summit Point, but I’ve managed to improve in those areas here,’ he added.
Guico, who drubbed Edoc by five shots at Summit Point, threatened early by birdying three of his first eight holes. But the mountain course struck back. Four bogeys over his last seven holes derailed his charge, leaving him with a 70 and trailing Edoc by four shots heading into the final round of the 36-hole tournament.V’I don’t try to predict where I’ll finish. My focus is simply on posting the best score I can,’ said Padilla, who is also banking on his familiarity with the layout, having played in the annual Fil-Am Invitational three times. ‘I know my way around this course.’
Geoffrey Tan also hit a late birdie on No. 8 to tie Suzuki at second, while David Serdenia birdied the ninth to turn in a 73 for fourth.
In the boys’ 11-14 category, Summit Point leg winner Vito Sarines shot three birdies against two bogeys in the last nine holes to fire a 68, five shots clear of Jacob Casuga, who carded a 73. Chan Ahn, who edged Sarines at Mount Malarayat but fell short at Summit Point, recovered from a frontside 40 with an even-par 34 in the last nine holes for a 74 with Javie Bautista posting a 75 for fourth heading to the final round of the 36-hole tournament.