Junior Philippine Golf Tour Finals Kick Off with North-South Ryder Cup-Style Showdown

The Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) reaches its exciting climax with the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals commencing Wednesday, October 1, at The Country Club in Laguna. This season-ending championship introduces a unique Ryder Cup-inspired format pitting the top junior golfers from Luzon (North) against their counterparts from the Visayas and Mindanao (South) in a highly anticipated three-day team competition.

Unlike previous editions, the tournament adopts an innovative structure emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and adaptability alongside individual skill. The competition is divided into three distinct formats over three days:

• Day 1 (Oct. 1) — Four-Ball (Best Ball): Each pair plays their ball independently with the best score per hole counting, demanding partnership trust where one player can compensate for another’s errors.
• Day 2 (Oct. 2) — Foursomes (Alternate Shot): Teammates alternate shots using a single ball, testing their coordination and composure.
• Day 3 (Oct. 3) — Singles: Head-to-head individual matches where every hole is critical as players vie for points to secure their team's victory.

The format fosters thrilling unpredictability, with momentum swings and heroics capable of shifting outcomes instantly.

Team North, captained by Francis Talion and co-captained by Ryan Tambalque, is determined to reverse last year’s defeat where Team South clinched six out of eight titles. North’s lineup features standout players aged 15 to 18, including Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc, and Kristoffer Nadales, who replaced Shinichi Suzuki due to international commitments in Japan. The women’s elite team includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, and Chloe Rada, all aiming to avenge prior results.

Meanwhile, Team South, led by Alfred Gaccion with Boyet Zaragosa as co-captain, brings a strong contingent of veterans and rising stars. Alexis Nailga, a multi-leg winner, heads the boys’ roster alongside Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III, and Eric Jeon. The girls’ team features Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, and Mike Guillermo, who recently secured a slot after Zero Plete had to withdraw due to academic conflicts.

In the 11-14 age division, competition intensifies with the Sarines twins Lisa and Mona, Kendra Garingalao, and Alexie Gabi representing the North, while Southern challengers Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos, and Rafella Batican promise a tightly fought contest.

Organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, this groundbreaking event offers an electrifying conclusion to the junior golf season, spotlighting emerging talents and fostering sportsmanship through team dynamics across the Philippines’ premier junior circuit.