LUCAS de Guzman fired a two-over par 74 to take the first-round lead in the 6-under boys division of the Mindanao leg of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) Apo Circuit on Thursday at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City.
The 6-year-old de Guzman birdied the final hole to take a a 13-shot lead over hometown bet and Mindanao champion Ethan Lago, who had an opening round 87.
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“It was a good game for me,” said De Guzman, who saw action in the 2022 IMG Academy Junior World Championships in the US. He is the son of social media personality Lue and former Philippine football team training pool member Rommeland is being coached by Toch “J3” Altea who is also mentor to Olympian Miguel Tabuena.
Nicole Gaisano-Gan fired a 76 for a two-stroke lead over leads Lisa Sarines (78) in the 11-12 girls division.
Stephanie Gaisano-Gan shot an 87 and is up by eight strokes over Soleil Molde (95) in the 6-under girls section.
Ralph Batican leads the 9-10 boys with a 74, while Brittany Tamayo shot a 73 to lead the 9-10 girls.
The second and final day of the 5 to 12 years old will be played on 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.