Plete banners local challenge at Del Monte

Zero Plete and Annika Mondilla will carry the local fight in the centerpiece girls’ 15-18 division starting on Wednesday as the finest in the Visayas and Mindanao regions come to Bukidnon for the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship at the picturesque layout inside the vast pineapple plantation.

Formidable contingents from Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal and Misamis Oriental are coming to challenge Bukidnon’s homegrown talents over a layout where familiarity is expected to play a key role in all divisions.

Precious Zaragosa leads the contingent from Davao and is listed as the chief threat in the division; the multititled Plete is again expected to dominate. Zaragosa can get some course knowledge from father-coach Boyet, who used to be a regular fixture for Canlubang in the PAL Interclub that made frequent stops at Del Monte.

With ranking points at stake in this third leg of the six-stage Visayas-Mindanao Series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., the competition is not just about the trophies, but qualification for the prestigious North vs South Elite Junior Finals in September at The Country Club.

Compelling battles

The battle is just as compelling in the 11-14 division, where Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican returns brimming with confidence after competing in the Royal Juniors in Japan. He leads a strong local cast that includes James Langamin, Arger Quinlog, Kiel Elvena and Mico Woo, all eager to assert control in the 36-hole contest.

In the girls’ 11-14 class, Rafella Batican carries the home team’s hopes but faces a stern test from a wave of rising talents—South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo, Francesca Geroy and Isabella Espina of Cagayan de Oro, Davao’s Snoe Dalisay and Solana Molde and fellow Bukidnon bet Claren Quino. The depth in this division makes it one of the most unpredictable, where momentum can shift with every round.