For someone who only took up golf two years ago, Mhark Fernando III’s impressive three-under-par 39 points at the 76th Philippine Airlines Interclub at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City on Wednesday is nothing short of phenomenal.

At just 14 years old with a 9 handicap, Fernando — still a relative newcomer to the sport — showcased remarkable skill and composure, surpassing many seasoned players.

His performance is a testament to his rapid improvement and dedication, proving that talent can flourish with determination, even in the face of adversity.

Fernando’s appearance at the Zamboanga Golf Club marked only his third outing outside his home province.

Despite the limited experience, he defied expectations with an astonishing display of talent and grit.

His father, Mhark Fernando Sr., shared that they were only aiming for 25 points going into the tournament. Yet, young Fernando shattered that modest goal with an exceptional round.

Starting on the more challenging back nine, he was already 2-under-par at the turn, surpassing their target after just 12 holes.

“I was fired up,” recalled Fernando, a Grade 9 student at Ebenezer College and Seminary. “I was excited to go even lower. I felt like I could really make a statement today.”

However, as the round progressed, the excitement and adrenaline began to take their toll.

On the fourth hole, things took an unexpected turn when Fernando missed the green on the par-4 and then mishit a wedge shot, sending the ball over the green. His confidence rattled by the consecutive mistakes, he had to pick up his ball to avoid penalty strokes.

Despite the setback, Fernando’s resilience shone through. He composed himself and finished the round with three birdies in the last five holes, closing out with a 39-point performance — five strokes better than his previous best.

To put his remarkable achievement in perspective, no other player broke par that day, underscoring just how extraordinary his feat was.

A crucial element in his success was the unwavering support and guidance of his father, who served as his caddie.

The elder Fernando, a three-time winner on the local golf tour and a key member of the Canlubang squad that won five consecutive PAL Interclub titles in the early 2000s, guided his son through the course’s challenges.

Nicknamed “Thirdy,” the younger Fernando relied on precision. He used his driver only twice, choosing to focus on keeping the ball in play.

But what truly set him apart was his exceptional putting, with birdies sunk from as far as 40 feet off the fringe. Fernando credited his putting stroke to countless hours spent on the putting mat at home, practicing before bed.

Because of his academic schedule, Thirdy plays on the fairways just once a week, but he hits the driving range daily after school, working through at least 300 balls per session.

While his clubs are a mix of hand-me-downs from his father, except a Ping G410 driver given to him by Judge Eric Elumba, he has a deep desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a professional golf career.

However, like many young golfers aspiring to reach their full potential, Thirdy faces the significant challenge of limited resources. He relies heavily on the generosity of supporters to continue pursuing his passion for the game.

He is one of the few to come from the Ambagan junior golf program, a grassroots initiative that started two years ago. Of the 30 original participants, only seven remain, highlighting the difficulty many young athletes face in a sport that demands significant financial backing.

His father, Mhark Sr., expressed his desire to see his son succeed, though he is aware of the barriers they face.

“We would have wanted to participate in more tournaments, but unfortunately we cannot afford to go to Metro Manila,” he said, a sentiment that resonates with many talented young athletes limited by financial constraints.

In a sport where access to opportunities is often determined by wealth and sponsorship, Thirdy’s talent, grit and determination shine through.

His story highlights the challenges many young Filipino athletes face in their pursuit of excellence and serves as a reminder that, for all the passion and potential in the world, the road to success in golf — and many other sports — can be just as difficult to navigate as the course itself.