Career-low round gives Bautista maiden title
Javie Bautista mowed down a seven-stroke deficit by coming up with the best round of his young career, a four-under-par 65 on Wednesday, as he broke through in the 11-14 boys’ division by winning the ICTSI Camp John Hay Junior PGT Championship by a shot over Vito Sarines in Baguio.
Bautista closed out with three straight birdies to cap a climb from what seemed to be an insurmountable deficit at the start of the day, tallying a 36-hole 140 at the well-manicured, bending layout in the chilly summer capital as he improved on a career-best third place finish at Summit Point last month.
“I’m just proud of myself because it was my personal best,” the 13-year-old Bautista, who trained at the Junior Asian Golf Academy in Thailand, said. “This win means a lot, especially since I dedicate it to my mom, who is celebrating her birthday this month.”
Sarines closed out with a 73, with Jacob Casuga throwing away a golden chance to forge a playoff by signing for a double bogey on the 18th for a 69 to finish two strokes behind.
Mavis Espedido also won the 11-14 girls’ division for the first time despite a final round 74, tallying 150 as the standout from Subic Bay still won by six shots over Ronee Dungca, who carded a final round 73. Dungca’s woes actually happened on Tuesday, when she opened with an 83.
“I’m very proud of this win because I worked hard for it and I’m grateful to have made my parents proud,” said Espedido even as twin sisters Mona and Lisa Sarines traded places as Mona mounted a strong comeback, firing a 69 to erase a four-shot deficit and edge ahead at 146 heading into the final round of the 54-hole tournament on Thursday.
Lisa, who led after the first round with a 73, struggled with a birdie-less 76 to be three back, while Kendra Garingalao carded a 75 for a 152.
