LUBAO, Pampanga – Jiwon Lee shot an eagle en route to a 6-under-par 66 and a 12-shot lead in the first round of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 2 at Pradera Verde golf course on Tuesday.
Lee, who won the first leg of the 15-18 years old division at Splendido Taal Golf Club, is easily in a class by herself. Second placed player, Reese Ng, shot a 78 and third placer Lia Duque an 82.
Lee's eagle came on hole No. 14 and capped the back nine with three birdies on the last four holes that netted her a 31.
“The game plan is to keep the ball in play to get chances for birdies or pars,” said Lee.
Meanwhile, Ryuki Suzuki and Georgina Handog took control of their 8-10 years old boys and girls division, respectively. Suzuki shot a 72 and Handog an 87.
Suzuki birdied Nos. 5 and 14 to lead Jose Luis Espinosa by one stroke while Handog, making her debut in the series sponsored by ICTSI, stamped her class in the girls’ side of the youngest division of the three-category event with a 15-over round, nine strokes ahead of first leg winner Maurysse Abalos, who carded a 96.
Fast greens
Espinosa, who led after 12 holes with a two-birdie, one-bogey card, stumbled with a double-bogey on the 16th for a 73, allowing the Splendido Taal leg winner to finish ahead in the 36-hole competition.
Monte Andaman trailed in third with a 92.
“The course is easy but the greens are very fast,” said Suzuki, who three-putted the par-5 No. 12, after reaching it in two.
Despite windy conditions, Handog’s birdie on the first hole set the tone for her round.
“It’s hot but I started out strong and good,” said Handog.
Athalea Espedido carded a 98 for third.
Shinichi Suzuki, on the other hand, debuted in the boys’ 15-18 category with a two-under 70, to claim a six-stroke lead over Mark Kobayashi, who shot 76.
“Initially, I struggled to find my rhythm with my shots, especially as the wind picked up during the back nine. Despite these challenges, I maintained consistency by hitting fairways and managing to save par on several holes,” said Suzuki.
Sarines off to a hot start
In the girls’ 11-14 class, Lisa Sarines scored 75, four strokes ahead of twin sister Mona and Levonne Talion, who matched 79s. First leg champion Precious Zaragosa had an 83.
Lisa adapted to the windy conditions, showcasing resilience and strategic play.
Geoffrey Tan, meanwhile, dominated the boys’ 11-14 division with a two-under 70, highlighted by three birdies in the last four holes, establishing a huge 12-shot advantage over Zianbeau Edoc and Aenzo Sulaik, who both shot 84s. First leg winner Vito Sarines carded an 83..
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