Love, laughter and golf

Paulo Saycon rushed to the registration table at John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City on Saturday, relieved to have made it just in time. Fresh off a flight from Singapore, he had gone straight home, picked up his son Sebastian, grabbed their gear, and hit the road for a five-hour drive to the mountains.

The long journey paid off. Just a few hours after arriving, the Saycons were proudly holding their trophies, having clinched Class A honors with a dazzling seven-under-par 62 under the team scramble format of the JGFP Parent and Child tournament.

Zoey Laranang and JR Laranang matched the Saycons’ score to win Class B while Stephanie Gan and father Oliver Gan, president of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, retained their Class C crown.

In the Open division, 15-year-old Geoffrey Tan powered his team to victory with a 62.

Against the cool breeze and lush pine-lined fairways of John Hay Golf Club, families gathered not just for competition, but for connection.

It was a heartwarming event that celebrates family, sportsmanship and the timeless joy of golf.

Set in the idyllic highlands of Baguio, the event drew parents and their children from Baguio and other parts of Luzon for a weekend of bonding, laughter and friendly rivalry.

Unlike other tournaments where the pressure to win takes center stage, this one was about something deeper — sharing the love for the game across generations.

On the course, parents gave pointers and encouragement, while kids responded with eager swings and quiet determination.

Some teams were seasoned pairs, others first-timers. But all played with one goal in mind: to enjoy the game — together.

For many participants, it wasn’t about the scorecards. It was about the memories. Whether it was a child sinking their first birdie or a parent watching their young golfer confidently take the tee, every shot was a story.

“This tournament is always one of our favorites,” said JGFP president Oliver Gan. “It’s more than a game. It’s a moment where parents and children connect, share the same space, and learn from each other. Golf becomes the bridge that strengthens their bond.”

The serene backdrop of John Hay Golf Club added to the charm, offering cool weather and scenic views perfect for family play.

Off the course, participants enjoyed time together exploring Baguio’s natural beauty and bonding with fellow golf-loving families.

The JGFP continues to promote youth golf not just as a sport, but as a tool for character development and lifelong values. Through events like the Parent-Child Tournament, they remind us that the best kind of golf isn’t played for trophies — it’s played for love.

As the sun set over the Baguio hills and families packed up their clubs, what remained weren’t just medals or prizes, but memories — of shared walks down the fairway, of playful high-fives, of quiet moments between shots.

In the end, that’s the kind of legacy that lasts well beyond the 18th hole.

Full results:

Class A (14-18) — Sebastian Saycon — Paolo Saycon 62, Emilio Pastor — Luis Pastor Jr. 66, William Sulit — Eric Sulit 66, Arc Ubana–Ronald Ubana 68, Felix Saludar — Ely Saludar 69, Matt Felix — Roel Felix 71, Eli Mataban–Father Mataban 74, Khallel Catacutan — Jojo Catacutan 74, Sophia Sy — Vincent Tiong 75, Ellyce Co — Van Co 81, Anet Aqui — Angel Gonzales 84

Class B (10-13) — Zoey Laranang — JR Laranang 62, Samantha Alvarez — JJ Alvarez 63, Ryzah Robins–Ronald Robins 64, Adrian Irinco — Enrico Irinco 67, Zyriel Datuin — Arsenio Datuin 67, Marco Angheng — Isonn Angheng 68, Andreas Borello — Luca Borello 68, Giulius Ballado–Ox Ballado 70, Annika Aldaba–Richard Chua 71, Vlademir Frias–Victor Frias 72, Frances Guevarra–Bien Guevarra 74, Renvee Sun–Renato Sun 75, Raphael Tumambing–Hazel Tumambing 75, Laelle Alcantara–Lee Alcantara 77, Adam Dipasupil–Liza Rondez 78, Maxine Bazar–Myles Bazar 85, Earl Bumactao–Knight Bumactao 86, Loreen Salvador–Jo Salvador 88, Ella Co–Emily Co 89

Class C (9-and-under) -- Stephanie Tan–Oliver Gan 64, Sofie Bazar–Maffy Bazar 66, Arch Aldaba-Archimedes Aldaba 68, Connor Chua–Jaimieson Chua 70, Denver Chong–Dino Chong 75, Emilio Maranan–Andz Maranan 76, Roshan Robins–Robinson Robins 77, Amelia Sanchez–Francesca Manalo 98

Class D (Open) -- Geoffrey Tan–Rey Bancod 62, Adrian Cabrera-Sarah Ababa 64, Ezekiel Opinion–Rico Opinion 66, Zoey Ma–Jonathan Opinion 72, Rylai Robins-Ariel Vanguardia 75, Willa Galvez-Waylon Galvez 85