Manila tests Mindanao

Mindanao’s best young golf talents are set to test themselves against a formidable group of visitors from Metro Manila as the JGFP Mindanao Open tees off this Sunday at Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City.

The spotlight will be on Johanna Blair Uyking, a finalist in the Philippine Amateur Open, who is expected to anchor the home team and inspire the Mindanao contingent against a deep and highly competitive field.

Uyking has been one of the region’s most consistent performers and will once again look to make her presence felt on familiar turf.

Metro Manila, however, arrives with plenty of firepower. Leading the visitors is reigning Philippine Amateur champion Lisa Sarines, who makes a return to the course where she previously tasted victory. She’ll be joined by her siblings Mona and Vito, forming a strong family-backed challenge that could prove difficult to contain.

The field also features Singapore Island Country Club champion Nicole Gaisano Gan, together with her sister Stephanie, as well as Enzo Cham, Felix Saludar, Franco Estrella and Seth Koa — adding further depth and intrigue to the competition.

South Cotabato is sending a solid lineup of its own, headlined by Thailand Junior World champion Jared Saban, with Brittany Tamayo and Laurence Saban also looking to make their mark.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro will be represented by siblings Apollo and Athena Batican, continuing the tournament’s strong family presence.

In boys’ Class A, Vito Sarines takes center stage after falling short against Perry Josef Bucay in the Philippine Amateur. He leads a stacked division that includes AJ Wacan, Adrian Bisera, Alexis Nailga, David Teves and several other top contenders expected to push the pace over the three-day event.

The tournament also features Regina Chiu, a Filipina based in Singapore.

Adding to the challenge is the venue itself. Apo Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course set on gently rolling terrain at the foothills of Mt. Apo.

Known for its wide but tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and several lakes that come into play on multiple holes, the course demands both precision and smart course management.

A special division featuring players 19 to 21 years old will also be contested. Among those in the field are Aldrien Gialon, Nino Villasencio, Rainier Tagwalan, Rolly Wacan and Rex Zaragosa, among others.

Beyond local bragging rights, the tournament carries added significance as it is a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, giving players valuable points and international exposure. Adding to the excitement, a one-day Parent and Child tournament on Monday will serve as a side event.

Last year’s team tournament delivered unforgettable drama, with Uyking and Micah Shin edging out Nicole Gan and Elmer Salvador in sudden death.

The match was capped by Shin’s sensational eagle from outside the green on the opening hole — a moment that set the bar high for another thrilling edition this year.

The tournament also comes three months before Apo Golf hosts the inaugural JGFP World Team Championships, an ambitious event expected to put Mindanao firmly on the world golfing map.