DAVAO — At just eight years old, Zoey Behati Ruiz Mascarinas is already carrying the Philippine flag across the world's most prestigious junior golf tournaments. The Grade 2 learner from Abbas Orchard School has qualified for three major international championships this year, proving that Davao's athletic talent knows no age limit.
A Young Champion's Historic Run
Zoey's impressive 2026 campaign includes a Top 5 finish at the Under Armour Junior World Championships in Orlando, Florida, where she placed fifth out of 69 competitors. She also secured a Top 16 finish at the US Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina, earning a World Championship Medallion for finishing among the Top 20 out of 94 golfers in the Girls 8 and Under Division.
Her earlier success at the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship, where she placed 15th out of 64 golfers from around the world, set the stage for this year's stellar performance. Only the best young golfers globally are invited to Pinehurst, with 62 countries represented in 2026. Zoey has consistently risen to the occasion.
Dominance on the National Stage
Zoey's trophy cabinet continues to grow with victories across multiple prestigious competitions. She was crowned Champion of the 2026 Philippine Open Championships at Mimosa Golf Course in Clark, Pampanga, dominating the Girls 8 and Under Division. She also conquered the 2026 US Kids Spring Season Tour, winning four out of six legs to secure the Season Champion title.
Her international resume includes a third-place finish at the 2025 New Zealand Championship in Auckland. She also topped the US Kids Local Tour Philippines 2025 at Luisita Golf Club with a score of 1 over Par 36. In 2024, she won the US Kids Local Tour Singapore, further establishing her as a rising star in the sport.
Family, Character, and the Love of the Game
Zoey's journey began at age five when her father, businessman Rene Antonio "Jipjip" Mascarinas, introduced her to golf as a bonding activity. "I chose golf to build character, as it is a sport where you lose more than you win," he explains. "Through golf, it will build her character, making her humble, grounded, and resilient."
Her father emphasizes that despite her busy schedule, Zoey remains a child who loves what she does. She practices two to three times a week with coach Elmer Salvador, focusing on long irons, driver, and putting. Beyond golf, she enjoys piano, arts and crafts, hip-hop dancing, gymnastics, and painting, much like her aunt, renowned Davao artist Ruby Jane Mascarinas Lu.
City Council Recognition
The Sangguniang Panglungsod of Davao City formally honored Zoey on September 1, 2026, through a resolution authored by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre. The councilor praised her as a role model for Dabawenyos, citing her hard work, discipline, and perseverance. "It is only fitting that we recognize young athletes like Zoey, whose achievements inspire other children to pursue sports and proudly represent Davao City," he said.
Zoey met with council members led by Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, accompanied by her parents. Her father expressed immense pride, saying, "More than the trophies, what makes me happiest is seeing her enjoy the game and have fun doing something she truly loves." He prays she continues to find joy, learn from every setback, and grow into a kind, humble, and resilient person.
