BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A thrilling rematch is taking center stage in the ICTSI John Hay Junior PGT Championship, as national team mainstay Shinichi Suzuki and the rising star Charles Serdenia lead a competitive field in the boys’ 15-18 division. The 54-hole tournament tees off on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, amidst the cool pines and challenging terrain of the Camp John Hay Golf Club.
The marquee matchup of the tournament features two of the country’s most promising young golfers, each bringing a distinct storyline to the greens:
- Shinichi Suzuki: Standing at 6-foot-3, the seasoned national team member enters the Baguio leg in peak form following a victory at the Mount Malarayat leg last month. Suzuki, who has represented the Philippines in international tournaments like the Putra and Nomura Cups, is seeking “payback” for a narrow two-shot loss to Serdenia at Eagle Ridge last year.
- Charles Serdenia: Known affectionately in golfing circles as “Boy Commute” for his humble background, Serdenia is making his circuit debut for 2026. He recently made headlines by securing a full golf scholarship from a college in Utah, USA—a significant milestone for the son of a Navy caddy.
While the Camp John Hay layout is shorter than many other championship courses, its “bending, up and down” layout demands superior course management. Players must navigate tight fairways and undulating greens that reward precision over raw power.
Beyond the headlining duel, several other categories promise intense competition:
- Girls’ 15-18: Twins Lisa and Mona Sarines are the favorites, but they face a formidable pack including Levonne Talion, Kendra Garingalao, and local favorite Zyrah de Leon.
- Boys’ 11-14: The rivalry between Chan Ahn and Vito Sarines continues. The two young athletes have split the first two legs of this six-stage series, and this week’s results could prove pivotal in the race for the Elite Junior Finals.
The John Hay championship is part of a broader effort to cultivate grassroots golfing talent in the Philippines. As the series progresses, participants earn points toward qualifying for the season-ending Elite Junior Finals. With international scouts increasingly keeping an eye on Filipino talent—as seen with Serdenia’s recruitment—the stakes at John Hay are higher than ever for these young athletes.