Paying it forward — Saso lauds JPGT’s initiative, holds clinic
‘I believe there’s so much talent here in the Philippines.’
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JPGT YUKA Saso teaches a Junior Philippine Golf Tour campaigner the trade secrets of becoming an elite golfer.
Yuka Saso, who conducted a one-day clinic for the top Junior Philippine Golf Tour campaigners at The Country Club Wednesday, recognizes the wealth of golf talent in the country and lauded the JPGT program for boosting junior golf.
The 2021 US Women's Open champion, who emerged from the junior ranks, expressed her belief in the effectiveness of the program put up by long-time golf patron ICTSI, which added the junior circuit to its extensive golf portfolio this year.
Having observed the tournaments and initiatives supporting junior golfers, she emphasized the significance of ICTSI's role in providing valuable experience through a series of competitions.
"It's great," said Saso of the JPGT program.
"I believe there's so much talent here in the Philippines. With ICTSI supporting our junior golfers and helping them gain experience through a series of tournaments, I think, it's a great way to train junior golfers."
The JPGT, a season-long circuit held at various championship courses, culminated in the National Finals at the TCC last October. It featured a drive-chip-putt format and 18-hole tournament play where eight players shared top honors across four age categories for both boys and girls.
"I believe the program works because I played a lot of events as a junior (golfer). I've been watching the JPGT and have seen what they've been doing, giving the kids the best experience. I think it's a great opportunity playing in the JPGT," the Tokyo Olympics veteran said.
Saso highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and accumulating experiences. Following a clinic that included a three-hole demonstration, she exhorted the young participants to practice diligently and find joy in the process.
"What I'm trying to say is that they should have fun, and try to get experience as much as possible," said Saso, who also addressed the perceived gap between junior players and professionals, expressing her desire for the youngsters not to feel distant from players like herself.
"I just hope they don't feel that gap between us. As I always say, I want to feel that I'm just within their reach," said Saso, who reached a career-best No. 6 in the world rankings in 2021.