Homegrown talent Ana Marie Aguilar topped the girls’ 7-10 division in the ICTSI Negros Junior PGT Championship at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City on Tuesday, June 9, to secure a place in the Elite Finals.
She carded a final-round 82 and a 158 total, capping an incredible two-week blitz after dominating the Bacolod leg in Murcia last week. Vanya Go had an 85 for a 159, while Jia Ho had an 81 to tie Zoey Mascariñas, who faltered with an 84, at 165.
“I definitely felt the pressure when I fell one or two down, but I just stayed confident and focused on my game,” said the 10-year-old Aguilar from St. Scholastica’s Academy-Bacolod.
Relying on her irons, precise chipping, and solid bunker play to stay in contention, she expressed her relief and excitement for the next stage.
“I’m so happy to qualify for the finals. Next, I really want to sharpen my chipping and putting to help the South team. I think the best way I can support my teammates is by continuing to elevate my own game,” she said.
Aguilar vaulted from No. 5 to No. 2 in the final standings with 40 points, joining top-ranked Soleil Molde (42) and the resilient Go (39) in the finals in Cagayan de Oro.
Meanwhile, Darren Ong also punched a ticket to the Ryder Cup-style national finals after claiming victory in the boys division.
Holding a 14-stroke lead after Monday’s opening round, Ong fired an 80 after a 76 but still won by 22 strokes on a 156 total over 36 holes.
Anthony Avila carded an 88 to finish a distant second at 178, while Joaquin Limjap took third with a 199 after a 98.
Ong jumped from No. 6 to No. 4 in the Visayas-Mindanao Series rankings. Gathering 35 points across the six-stage circuit, he dislodged the absent Thomas Ngo (26) to claim the fourth and final qualifying spot.
Ong thus joined Ethan Lago, Stephen Clementer and Lucas Revilleza to form the South’s youngest squad, ready to battle the North side on Aug. 17 to 20 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.
“I’m so excited to play in the grand finals. I’m going to practice hard to turn my weaknesses into strengths, but my goal is to keep playing pressure-free,” said the nine-year-old Ong.
“Everything just clicked today, especially my chipping and putting, though I still feel like I could’ve done better,” he added.
Ong promised to spark the lineup: “I’m ready to bring good vibes, high energy and strong cooperation to the South team.”*PNA
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