Manhit, Handog get job done
Race Manhit and Georgina Handog came out with contrasting final rounds in winning for the first time in the Junior PGT this season, as both displayed maturity beyond their years to rule their respective 11-14 divisions in the ICTSI Sherwood Hills Championship on Tuesday.
Manhit drained a key birdie on the 16th to salvage a 78 for a 36-hole 149 tally and win the boys’ crown by a shot over Summit Point winner Javie Bautista, who submitted a 73. Ryuji Suzuki shot a 71 and caught Chan Ahn, who assembled a 72, for third at 152.
“My game was a roller coaster,” the 13-year-old Manhit, whose last win came two years ago, said. “It was really tough, especially being one down late in the round, but I believed I could still turn things around.”
Handog, meanwhile, was as steady as she could be, shooting a 75 for 148 to win for the first time comfortably, as Aerin Chan struggled to shoot an 81 and finish 10 strokes back in third, five shots behind Cailey Gonzales (75).
A granddaughter of former junior golf president Gerry Handog, Georgina drained crucial putts at key moments to keep her pursuers at bay. Like Manhit, Handog got back in the thick of the fight for slots to the Elite Finals.
“I feel happy and grateful because I trained hard for this,” said the 11-year-old Handog. “This win gives me more confidence because I know I can compete against players older than me.”
In the premier 15-18 division, Tristan Padilla tightened his grip on the boys’ title, extending his lead to a commanding 11 shots after a second straight 71 for a 142 total. Shinichi Suzuki, winner at Malarayat, shot himself in the foot with a 79, while Patrick Tambalque also struggled with another 77 for a 154.
Malarayat leg champion Lisa Sarines likewise edged closer to securing the girls’ crown, posting a 71 to widen her lead to 12 strokes at 145. Rafa Anciano trailed at 157 after a 79, as the rest of the field struggled to mount a challenge.
