Uganda’s junior golf development received another major boost over the weekend as the NCBA Junior Golf Series concluded its sixth season at Uganda Golf Club, showcasing a growing pool of young talent and strengthening the country’s presence on the international golfing stage.

The grand finale held on June 7, brought together some of Uganda’s best junior golfers, capping a highly competitive season that highlighted the steady growth of the sport and the increasing opportunities available for young players to compete locally and internationally.

Since its launch in 2024, the NCBA Junior Golf Series has become a key platform for nurturing young golfers aged between six and 18 years.

The programme provides structured competition, mentorship and exposure, helping young players develop their skills while preparing them for higher levels of competition.

The series operates under the broader U.S. Kids Golf Uganda Local Tour, which has expanded significantly in recent years and now supports more than 200 competitive junior golfers across the country.

This season, NCBA Bank Uganda strengthened its commitment to inclusive sports development by sponsoring 10 less-advantaged junior golfers, providing them with access to training, equipment and tournament participation opportunities.

The initiative seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing junior golf in Uganda—limited financial resources that often prevent talented youngsters from fully participating in the sport.

To date, NCBA’s sponsorship programme has supported 31 junior golfers, with seven of them progressing to Uganda’s national team.

This achievement highlights the programme’s growing success in creating a pathway from grassroots participation to elite competition.

Several of the sponsored golfers have gone on to represent Uganda in international tournaments held in South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, raising the country’s profile in junior golf.

Among the standout performers is Peter Mayende, who participated in the UAE Golf Championship, while Daniel Kawalya represented Uganda at the All Africa Junior Championships.

At the Victoria Cup 2026, Uganda finished second behind Kenya, but Peter Mayende’s team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, demonstrating the quality and competitiveness of Uganda’s emerging golf talent.

NCBA Bank Uganda also extended its support to the Uganda Inter-Schools Golf Championship 2026 as part of its broader efforts to promote grassroots sports development.

Speaking after the season finale, Edgar B. Tusiime, Head of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship at NCBA Bank Uganda, said the programme continues to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of golfers and leaders.

“The NCBA Junior Golf Series continues to demonstrate the transformative role of sport in shaping discipline, resilience and opportunity among young people. We are encouraged by the calibre of talent emerging through this platform and the increasing confidence with which these juniors are competing at higher levels,” Tusiime said.

“Our focus remains on building sustainable pathways that enable young Ugandans to realise their full potential, both on and off the course.”

Despite the progress, access to the sport remains a challenge for many talented young golfers, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.

Stakeholders say continued investment from the private sector, schools and development partners will be critical in ensuring that more young people can benefit from the opportunities golf offers.

Les Brown, Coach and Director of the U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Uganda, praised the impact of the partnership in transforming junior golf development.

“The NCBA Junior Golf Series has introduced consistency and structure into junior golf development in Uganda. We are seeing more young players not only enter the sport but remain engaged and competitive. With continued investment, Uganda is well-positioned to become a dominant force in junior golf within the region,” Brown said.

Through its partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, the series provides a direct pathway for Ugandan juniors to compete on the global stage.

Top-performing players gain priority status and opportunities to qualify for prestigious tournaments such as the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, the Rome Classic and the Big 5 Junior Golf Championship.

As Season Six comes to a close, the NCBA Junior Golf Series leaves behind a stronger talent pipeline, increased international exposure for Ugandan golfers and renewed optimism about the future of the sport.

With more young players earning opportunities to represent Uganda abroad, the programme is steadily positioning the country as an emerging force in junior golf across Africa.

The post NCBA junior golf series concludes season 6 with strong talent & growing international impact appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Zoji Edoc showed nerves of steel in a dramatic finish, holing out with three consecutive pars to salvage a one-over 72 and edge Andres Jeturian by one shot to capture the boys’ 7-10 division title in the ICTSI Beverly Place Junior PGT Championship in Mexico, Pampanga on Tuesday.

What began as a light, youthful atmosphere quickly turned into a furious four-way battle down the back nine of the Beverly Place Golf Club. Alongside Edoc and Jeturian, Alexian Ching and Lee Sooreen were also locked in the fight for the lead before both eventually faded in the closing stretch.

Jeturian, who was tied with Ching for the first-round lead of the 36-hole tournament, matched Edoc’s steady par-par-par finish. However, he was ultimately undone by Edoc’s strong mid-round surge, where a three-stroke deficit was erased as Edoc seized control by going two-under through the first 10 holes.

The tension peaked late as Edoc stumbled with dropped shots on Nos. 2, 4, and 6, trimming his lead to just one. But despite the sweltering humidity under overcast skies, Jeturian failed to find the needed birdie in the clutch and settled for a 76. That handed Edoc the title with a 150 total, against Jeturian’s 151, while Lee (75) and Ching (77) shared third at 152.

The gritty win proved significant for Edoc, as it secured him the coveted second automatic berth in the upcoming North vs South Finals with 42 points, tying first qualifier Zach Guico. Kenzo Tan carded a 73 to place fifth at 158, remaining No. 3 in the standings, while Ching sits at No. 4 and Asher Abad remains at No. 5 heading into the final Luzon Series leg at Eagle Ridge on June 17–19.

“I put in the practice right after the first round, adjusting my shots and polishing my putting. That extra work gave me the confidence I needed, especially on Nos. 17, 18, and 1,” said Edoc, whose relentless work ethic and three consecutive birdies fueled his come-from-behind victory.

“I felt so confident with my putting today, and it taught me that you truly have to train and practice if you want to build that kind of confidence,” he added.

(C) JPGT

Meanwhile, the girls’ youngest division featured a dominant performance as Jaicee Cervantes signaled her intent to crash the Grand Finals picture. She completed a commanding wire-to-wire victory with a closing 74 for a 149 total, finishing nine strokes ahead of Jehanne Mendoza (72), who settled for 158, while Summit Point leg winner Andrea Dee struggled to an 83 for a distant third at 164.

Cervantes’ victory earned her 15 crucial points, vaulting her from 10th to fourth in the standings with 23 points in just two appearances. She will still need another strong finish in the final leg to strengthen her bid for a Grand Finals berth.

“I feel happy because my hard work is finally paying off. I really credit my putting for carrying me through these two days. I also learned that I can’t let my emotions get the best of me because managing them is a huge part of my game. I just can’t pressure myself,” said Cervantes.

As the circuit heads into its final Luzon leg, Winter Serapio remains securely at the top of the youngest category’s Grand Finals cast with a maximum 45 points, while Mendoza and Dee are heavily favored to secure the next two spots. The final berth, however, remains tightly contested between Cervantes and Laura Pablo (20 points), while Isabel Cabrera, Tyly Bernardino, and Elizabeth Laurel (14 points each) still hold mathematical chances.

Meanwhile, the chase for crucial ranking points and coveted South team berths heats up on Wednesday (June 3) as the JPGT Visayas-Mindanao Series heads to Murcia for its penultimate leg at the short but tricky Bacolod Golf and Country Club.

While top contenders aim to solidify their positions, a hungry pack of hopefuls is mounting a last push for Grand Finals tickets via the backdoor. The action shifts to the final leg on June 8–10 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City, promising even fiercer battles across all age divisions.

In the 11–14 division, Ryuichi Tao delivered a wire-to-wire victory in the boys’ category. Built on an opening-round 68, he closed with a 73 for a 141 total, holding off a late charge to win by two strokes over Javie Bautista (71) and Jose Luis Espinosa (69), who tied for second at 143.

“It feels good to win for the first time. My driving, iron game and chipping all clicked out there,” said Tao, whose 15-point haul boosted his Grand Finals hopes to 25 points with one Luzon leg remaining.

Despite Tao’s surge, the race for the remaining slots remains tight. Chan Ahn and Ryuji Suzuki sit at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, while Tao, Jacob Casuga, and Race Manhit remain within striking distance heading into the final leg. Casuga finished fourth at 148 after a 75, while Iñigo Gallardo slipped to 149 after a 77. Manhit and Ahn tied for sixth at 150 after rounds of 75 and 77, respectively.

In the girls’ 11–14 division, Georgina Handog secured back-to-back victories to virtually lock in her Grand Finals ticket. After building a strong lead in the opening round, she closed with a 73 for a 145 total, finishing four strokes ahead of Cailey Gonzales, who fired a 68 to finish second at 149, while Aerin Chan took third at 151 after a 74.

“It feels great to win back-to-back. My short game was on point all tournament long. I think if you really want to do well, you have to sharpen your short game. The course was tough, but I was still able to put up a good performance,” said Handog.

Ranking leader Mavis Espedido endured a difficult round, slipping to an 84 and finishing seventh at 165. The result allowed Gonzales to take over the top spot with 39 points, while Espedido dropped to second with 33 points. Chan remained in contention at third with 28 points.

In the premier 15–18 division, Jakob Taruc pulled away to an 11-stroke lead in the boys’ category after a 72 for a 149 total heading into the final 18 holes. Bryce Co stayed in second at 160 despite a 77, while Francis Slavin moved to third at 161 after a 75.

“I was much better off the tee today, and my up-and-down game improved as well. My chip shots landed closer to the pin, making it a lot easier to save par,” said the 16-year-old Taruc. “The biggest challenge was the wind, which kept affecting the ball flight, but I managed through it. Now, I’m just hoping to post an even better score in the final 18 holes than my previous rounds of 77 and 72.”

Meanwhile, Kendra Garingalao moved closer to the girls’ title and a Grand Finals berth, posting a 78 for a 158 total to take a three-shot lead over Rafa Anciano, who sits at 161 after a 76. Levonne Talion stayed in contention at third with 167 despite an 80, while Maven Pallasigui (81–168) and Chloe Rada (87–181) round out the top five.

“I was able to read the greens much better today. I haven’t felt much pressure over the first two days, and I’m praying I can maintain that same mindset tomorrow. My goal is to just play pressure-free in these final 18 holes,” said Garingalao, 15.

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CAVINTI, Laguna – A brilliant Moving Day surge put Keanu Jahns in the driver’s seat, but a recurring nightmare on the final hole left the door wide open for a star-studded chasing pack.

Poised to sign for a flawless, spectacular round, the Fil-German ace stumbled with a bogey on the 18th, settling for a six-under 66 Thursday. Still, it was enough to propel him into solo leadership at 15-under 201 and move him within arm’s reach of defending his ICTSI Caliraya Springs Golf Championship crown.

But despite grabbing the lead, Jahns’ late slip set the stage for a dramatic, high-stakes shootout for the ₱450,000 top prize in the ₱2.5 million championship at Caliraya Springs Golf Club. With the “lift, clean, and place” rule making the course highly scoreable, no advantage feels safe – and the veterans trailing him are firmly within striking distance.

Just one stroke behind at 202 are multi-titled veterans Zanieboy Gialon and Tony Lascuña.

Gialon spiked a 66 with an ace on No. 14, displaying the steady yet aggressive precision needed to break down Caliraya’s defenses. If he sustains his momentum, he has the firepower to overtake Jahns and reclaim the crown he first won in the event’s inaugural staging in 2022.

Lascuña, the two-day leader, bucked another shaky start (37) with a gritty backside 33 to card a 70 and stay firmly in contention. Known as one of the tour’s most cold-blooded finishers, Lascuña’s experience in high-pressure situations makes him a major threat heading into the final round.

Still, attention remains on Jahns, who delivered a scorching start for the third consecutive day before a sluggish back nine allowed the chasing pack to close in heading into the finale.

Despite finding greens in regulation, Jahns’ momentum stalled on the back nine as he struggled with pace on the greens and missed three to four realistic birdie opportunities.

“I started really hot for the third straight day,” said Jahns, who battled back from three down and surged to a three-stroke lead after an eagle-spiked front-nine 30. “I was hitting a lot of greens at the back, but I just couldn’t dial in the speed. The greens felt slow and I missed several birdie putts.”

His troubles carried into the final hole. Holding a two-shot cushion over Lascuña on the 18th tee, Jahns pushed his drive into trouble and was forced to scramble for par from a difficult lie.

“I nearly salvaged a par, but those things happen,” said Jahns of his late stumble.

Despite the shaky finish, Jahns remained confident about defending his crown. His focus heading into the finale is maintaining composure and tightening execution.

“I’m just staying in the present. I like the way I’m playing, and I’m managing the course very well,” he added. “I’m always looking for ways to be more consistent and minimize mistakes so I can post a better score. To be honest, I still don’t feel entirely comfortable with my swing. But if I can manage the course well tomorrow, I should walk away with a good result.”

Meanwhile, Lascuña endured a roller-coaster round of his own. After watching his overnight three-shot lead evaporate and briefly falling three strokes behind Jahns, he blamed a cold putter for his early struggles.

“I struggled with my putting at the front, enabling Keanu to pull ahead,” said Lascuña. “I left a lot of birdie putts out there that just refused to drop.”

However, the seasoned pro showed his trademark resilience when it mattered most. He roared back down the stretch, draining three birdies over his final seven holes to close the gap and remain firmly in contention to end a two-year title drought.

Trailing by three despite a solid frontside 32, Gialon recovered from a mishap on No. 13 with a spectacular ace at the 169-yard 14th. Using a 7-iron and a Titleist Pro V1 ball, he recorded the fourth hole-in-one of his career.

The ace, worth ₱20,000 from the Philippine Golf Tour, combined with back-to-back birdies from Lascuña on Nos. 12 and 13, allowed both players to move within a stroke of Jahns.

“I was also surprised by my hole-in-one. I just punched the ball to keep its movement controlled, and fortunately, it went right in,” said Gialon in Filipino, who is aiming to snap a two-year title drought. He won the inaugural staging of this tournament in 2022 and ended another dry spell with a victory in Iloilo in 2024 before falling into another slump.

Just a stroke behind Jahns and tied with Lascuña – both seasoned contenders in pressure-packed battles – Gialon remains confident in his chances.

“There’s no pressure. I’ll just play my game and stick to the same routine,” said Gialon, who also hopes to rely on his strong short game.

“My short game really clicked – from 120 yards out and closer, I was able to stick it near the pin,” he added, referring to his birdies on Nos. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 18, which kept him in position to sustain his pattern of winning a title every two years.

Meanwhile, sitting just three shots back at 204 are heavyweight champions Angelo Que and Guido van der Valk, who both carded 68s. Que fired five birdies against a bogey, while van der Valk produced a bogey-free 34-34 card.

Que, the reigning Order of Merit winner, brings elite firepower and international experience – and if his wedge play and putting heat up early, he can quickly erase the deficit.

Van der Valk, a master of course management, thrives in tight conditions. His methodical approach makes him well-positioned to capitalize on any mistakes from the final group.

Adding further chaos to one of the most crowded leaderboards in Philippine Golf Tour memory is Fidel Concepcion, who fired a tournament-best 63 to tie rookie Aidric Chan (67) and Sean Ramos (69) at sixth place at 206.

With five proven champions separated by just three strokes, and several others still within striking distance, the final 18 holes promise a tense and thrilling finish.

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