North vs. South Rivalry Heats Up as ICTSI Elite Junior Finals Kick Off in Laguna

Sports | Golf Posted on 2025-10-01 00:01:05

MANILA – The country’s brightest junior golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) begin their showdown Wednesday in the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals at The Country Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The three-day event, patterned after the Ryder Cup format, will feature Four-Ball (Best Ball) matches on opening day, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and head-to-head Singles duels in the final round.

Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque reminded his players to focus on smart shot-making in Day 1’s Four-Ball matches.
“Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,” he said, noting that the squad’s camaraderie built through regular tournaments and shared training will be a key advantage.

Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion, meanwhile, expressed confidence in his team’s balanced lineup.
“We’re banking on our talent, experience, and resilience. The girls’ 15–18 division will be especially strong with Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo leading the charge,” he said.

Both sides will field a total of 48 golfers across three age brackets (7–10, 11–14, and 15–18) in boys’ and girls’ divisions. The boys’ groups will tee off from Hole 1, while the girls’ teams start simultaneously on Hole 10.

Gaccion emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “This is a team event and team play is the key to overcoming any disadvantage. Support in Four-Ball and Foursomes will be the foundation.”

Tambalque added that beyond skills, North’s cohesion—extended even among parents—gives them an edge. “That chemistry is a strength,” he said.

With both teams boasting deep rosters and standout players, the North vs. South battle promises to showcase the future stars of Philippine golf.

NPO News Team I PNA-PR

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