ILOILO City – Kurt Flores overcame an eight-stroke deficit to defeat Isaac Locsin and claim the boys’ 10-12 crown in the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Iloilo Visayas Series on Tuesday at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club here.
Despite the daunting deficit, Flores methodically worked his way back into contention, ultimately seizing control with a frontside 46 as his fellow Bacolodnon Locsin stumbled with a 57.
However, a shaky start on the back nine allowed Locsin to close the gap to just one stroke with six holes remaining, but Flores withstood Locsin’s determined fightback for four-stroke victory on a 193 total.
Locsin finished with a 106 for a 197, while Luigi Alvarez placed third with a 232 after a 114 in the first of three tournaments in the Visayas swing of the nationwide series sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
“It was really fun that we got to play in JPGT and I plan to stay consistent on getting pars and avoid making double bogeys,” said 13-year-old Flores. “It was actually my first time to do an actual backspin.”
“I had fun playing in the JPGT,” said 10-year-old Locsin from the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod. “The course is challenging, especially its greens.”
Manila-based Cailey Gonzales achieved a wire-to-wire triumph in the girls’ 10-12 category with an impressive 149 after a five-over 75 to overwhelm Kelsey Bernardino and Zuri Bagaloyos, who matched 166s after 79 and 85, respectively.
“I feel happy. The back-to-back birdies from No. 6 inside 12 feet gave me confidence,” said 11-year-old Gonzales.
In the 8-9 class, Cebuana’s Eliana Mendoza showcased a commanding performance in the girls’ division, recording a 71 to finish with a 153, beating Ana Marie Aguilar, who scored a 119 for a total of 240.
Jess Alburo also dominated the boys’ division, posting a 185 total after a 94 and overwhelming Grover Sinfuego, who made a 117 for a 235./PN
