DAVAO CITY — Jamie Barnes is well aware of the formidable challenges that await at the demanding Apo Golf and Country Club.
But the Cagayan de Oro prodigy remains upbeat, though cautious, as he resumes his pursuit of a record fourth straight victory in the ICTSI Junior PGT Series.
The final leg of the Mindanao swing of the Visayas-Mindanao Series — the Apo Golf JPGT Championship — unfolds today with Barnes once again carrying the bullseye after his commanding victories in the boys’ 7-10 division at Del Monte, Pueblo de Oro, and most recently at South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates.
What makes his winning streak even more remarkable is that this is his debut season in the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Despite being just nine years old, Barnes has dazzled with exceptional form, showcasing talent and composure rarely seen in a first-time campaigner.
He admitted South Pacific posed the toughest challenge so far due to his unfamiliarity with the course. But a single day of practice made the difference for the Wellington-Thailand student, who’s taken the ICTSI-backed tour by storm.
“I think South Pacific is a lot harder because I’m not used to playing that course. The greens are slow, but if it’s downhill, it’s really fast,” Barnes said.
He now faces a different kind of test at Apo, where accuracy and consistency will be key. The tight, tree-lined fairways, expansive greens and strategically placed water hazards and bunkers demand precision from tee to green.
A strong roster is also out to challenge Barnes’ bid for a Mindanao sweep, including local talents Miguel Revilleza, Kaeden Samarro and Luke Habagat, along with Cebu’s Kvan Alburo, Koronadal’s Jhasyr and Jhob Bastes, and fellow Cagay-anons Shaqeeq Tanog, Zian Umpar and James Rolida.
The girls’ youngest division also shapes up to be a nail-biter, with Del Monte leg winner Soleil Molde, Pueblo de Oro champion Claren Quiño, Davao’s Zoey Mascariñas, and Kassandra Morente all in contention.