Cagayan de Oro’s junior golfers delivered a strong home-course performance at the opening of the ICTSI Junior PGT Pueblo de Oro leg, held on July 1 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club. Local talents topped five of the six age divisions, signaling a dominant start for Mindanao-based players in this Visayas–Mindanao leg of the national junior tour.
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Strong Showings Across Divisions
Leading the charge was 13-year-old Ken Guillermo, who fired a two-under-par 70 in the boys’ 11–14 division. Despite three bogeys in his first four holes, Guillermo stayed composed and rallied with five birdies to grab a commanding seven-shot lead.
“I feel a lot of pressure since this is my home course, but I had to stay composed and play comfortably to manage it,” Guillermo shared.
In the girls’ 11–14 division, 12-year-old Margaux Espina also impressed with an 81, giving her a six-stroke cushion going into the next round. In the boys’ 8–10 division, CDO’s Jamie Barnes built a commanding eight-stroke lead after carding a 70, continuing his strong momentum after winning the Del Monte leg last month. Though he struggled with putting, Barnes maintained steady ball-striking to stay ahead of the field.
“I think I played well, but I could’ve shot 5-under if my putting was sharper,” Barnes remarked, the 9-year-old son of a Scottish father and Filipino mother.
Meanwhile, in the girls’ 9–10 division, nine-year-old Francesca Geroy shot an 80 to narrowly edge out Bukidnon’s Claren Quiño by one stroke. Over in the girls’ 15–18 category, CDO’s Ally Gaccion shot an even-par 72 to tie for the lead with Crista Miñoza of Bukidnon. Gaccion, the Del Monte runner-up, credited her accuracy off the tee and is aiming to sharpen her short game in the coming rounds.
Home Advantage on Display
Local familiarity with the Robert Trent Jones II-designed layout played a key role in the early success of Cagayan de Oro players. Guillermo acknowledged feeling pressure to perform on his home course but stayed locked in after a rough start. Espina echoed that sentiment, saying her knowledge of the course helped her adjust after early bogeys and play more confidently on the back nine.
With local players leading most divisions, the Pueblo de Oro leg is shaping up to be a showcase of Mindanao’s junior golf talent. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether these promising young athletes can convert their early momentum into championship finishes—and further strengthen the region’s presence on the national stage.
