Julianna Ong and the rest of the junior developmental players will step into uncharted territory as they compete in the JGFP D-League Interschool Match Play Championship, starting Saturday at Royale Tagaytay in Cavite.

This format, a significant shift from the traditional stroke play they may be more accustomed to, will provide them with a unique challenge that could greatly enhance their skills.

Match play, where players compete hole by hole rather than for the lowest total score, introduces a more strategic element. It encourages players to focus on each hole as a mini-battle, making the competition more dynamic and intense.

Juniors will need to develop a keen sense of how to manage their mental game, especially when facing high-pressure situations or when their opponent is on a hot streak.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” said Ong, a 15-year-old high school student at Immaculate Conception Academy. She will face Kaira Dimatalo in one of eight matches in the girls’ Junior High bracket.

Having taken up the sport only three years ago, Ong said she has prepared hard, playing against friends and her father during practice.

“I practiced putting and short game which are crucial at Royale Tagaytay,” Ong said.

She will go into the match with a positive mindset.

“I practiced my hardest so whatever the outcome is, I know I gave it my all,” she said.

The Ong-Dimatalo matchup is one of 24 exciting matches scheduled for Saturday, a new feature introduced by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines under president Oliver Gan. Matches are also set for five other divisions: boys’ Junior, boys’ and girls’ Senior High, and boys’ and girls’ Middle School.

The match play format is an excellent opportunity for these young athletes to learn how to handle the ebb and flow of a match, how to recover from mistakes, and maintain composure during tight moments.

It also helps them refine their shot selection, as they’ll need to play more aggressively or conservatively depending on their opponent’s performance on each hole.

By engaging in match play, players like Go will gain a deeper understanding of course strategy, pacing, and the mental toughness required to succeed at higher levels of competition. It’s a valuable experience that will aid in their overall development, providing tools that will benefit them in future tournaments both locally and internationally.