JPGT launches summer circuit

Junior golf shifts into high gear next week as the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) launches its much-anticipated summer circuit, retaining its two-series format for Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao contenders — this time with renewed energy and heightened excitement from the country’s top and rising young players.

With many of the nation’s brightest junior golfers eager to showcase their skills, the tour promises a compelling mix of seasoned standouts and emerging talents across three age-group categories. All eyes are on the prestigious North vs. South Elite Junior Finals later this year, where the best from each region will once again battle for supremacy.

In a key move to maximize participation and performance, organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. has scheduled the entire tour during the summer months. The shift allows student-athletes to fully commit to competition without the burden of missing school — a major challenge in previous editions held during the academic year.

It also addresses persistent weather concerns. Last year, several legs were disrupted or postponed due to the rainy season, affecting momentum and scheduling. By staging the tour in the dry summer window, organizers aim to ensure smoother play, more consistent conditions, and an uninterrupted buildup to the finals.

The dual-series format kicks off simultaneously, with the Luzon leg opening 6 to 8 April at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa City, Batangas, while the Visayas-Mindanao campaign begins 8 to 10 April at Mactan Island in Cebu.

The Vis-Min series continues 13-15 April at Alta Vista, also in Cebu, while Luzon players head to Summit Point in Lipa from 14 to 16 April. The tour then moves north to Baguio, with John Hay Golf Club hosting the third Luzon leg from 28 to 30 April, as Vis-Min players compete at Del Monte in Bukidnon from 29 April to 1 May.

Subsequent stops include Sherwood Hills in Cavite (4 to 6 May) and Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro (5 to 7 May), followed by Riviera and Bacolod.

The final eliminations will be held at Eagle Ridge for Luzon and Negros Occidental for Vis-Min.

Each series features six legs across premier championship courses, offering young golfers a true test of skill, consistency, and mental toughness.

The JPGT is open to players aged 7 to 18 and follows a stroke-play format for both boys and girls.

Competitions in the 7–10 and 11–14 divisions will be contested over 36 holes, while the premier 15–18 category will be played over 54 holes.

Participants may compete in only one regional series, choosing either where they reside or were born. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in each division per leg, with trophies going to the top three.

As the race toward the North vs. South Finals intensifies, players may join multiple legs, but only their best three results will count toward their final ranking—provided they compete in at least three tournaments.

At stake are coveted spots in the Elite Junior Finals set for Sept. 15–18 at The Country Club, where the top four players in each age category from both Luzon and Vis-Min will face off. The North squad will be looking to defend its title after last year’s dominant showing.

With ideal playing conditions, a streamlined schedule, and a growing pool of passionate young golfers, this year’s JPGT summer series is shaping up to be a defining stage for the country’s next generation of golf champions.