STA. ROSA, Laguna – With strategy and communication set to determine the outcome, the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals begins Wednesday at The Country Club, putting the best junior golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) in a Ryder Cup-style showdown.
The finals mirrors the recently concluded Team Europe vs Team USA duel. The format includes Four-Ball (Best Ball) on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and Singles matches on the final day. With 48 of the country’s top juniors competing, this promises to be a pressure-packed battleground of skill and willpower.
READ North, South battle for supremacy in ICTSI Elite Junior Finals
Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque laid down a simple but clear plan for Day 1’s Four-Ball format, where the boys' 7-10 division opens play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and the 15-18 divisions. The girls’ teams start simultaneously on the 10th tee, ensuring action on both sides of the course.
The three-day event is open to the public, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch and support the next generation of professional golfers in action.
“Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,” Tambalque said, giving concise marching orders to his 24-player squad that emerged from a grueling seven-leg qualifying series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
However, Tambalque was quick to emphasize balance: “Let them enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players – lahat sila malalakas (they’re all strong), and they’ve been training independently. Whichever way we pair them, I know they’ll do their best.”
On the other side, Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion exuded quiet confidence. While he acknowledged the depth of Team North, he believes his squad holds the edge in talent, experience and resilience.
“The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players. Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division,” said Gaccion, who singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential game-changer.
“The 15-18 girls will definitely be on top,” he added, referring to his powerhouse lineup of Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo.
Team North’s counterpart in the girls’ 15-18 division includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.
The complete rosters:
Team North – Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan (boys’ 7-10); Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao (girls’ 7-10); Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki and Jacob Casuga (boys’ 11-14); twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao and Alexie Gabi (girls’ 11-14); Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales (boys’ 15-18); and Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada (girls’ 15-18).
Team South – Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida (boys’ 7-10); Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy (girls’ 7-10); Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban and Marcus Dueñas (boys’ 11-14); Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos and Rafella Batican (girls’ 11-14); Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon (boys’ 15-18); and Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo (girls’ 15-18).
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