Finding right two-player blends critical in first two days
Team strategy and communication will be key elements for the North and South squads as they open their three-day, three-format duel for the right to be called the first ICTSI Junior Elite Finals champion starting on Wednesday at the ultra-exclusive The Country Club layout in Laguna.
Four-ball action opens up play where each of the four members from three different age-groups of each team will play, leaving the onus on team captains to pick out the proper tandems for the crucial head start.
Alternate play (foursomes) will be the format on Thursday before the culminating singles are held the day after, as the team that wins 24.5 points first will have bragging rights.
“Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,” Team North coskipper Ryan Tambalque said when asked of team strategy. “[We want]them [to] enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players—and they’re all good, strong players.
“Whichever way we pair them, I know they’ll do their best.”
South skipper Alfred Gaccion, meanwhile, exuded quiet confidence.
“The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players,” Gaccion said. “Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division.”
Gaccion singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential game-changer as he has a team that is loaded to the brim. Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo make up his squad.
