Rain, delays, and a birdie-less final round could not stop Kendra Garingalao. The 15-year-old golfer delivered a masterclass in composure at the ICTSI Beverly Place Junior PGT Championship in Mexico, Pampanga, extending her overnight lead into a convincing eight-stroke victory.
Garingalao finished with a 235 aggregate score after battling heavy morning rain and a weather delay. Despite closing with a 77 that lacked birdies, she managed to save pars and double her overnight lead by the back nine, cruising to a stress-free win . The victory earned her 15 ranking points, boosting her total to 37 and securing her spot in the upcoming North vs. South Duel Grand Finals.
Putting Game and Mental Toughness Seal the Win
Rafa Anciano and Levonne Talion tied for second at 243, eight strokes behind the champion . The decisive factor was Garingalao’s putting game—she leaned heavily on her flat stick to save pars when her iron play was off, preventing any challenger from mounting a comeback . By the time she reached the back nine, her lead had already doubled, allowing her to play the remaining holes without pressure.
The victory was Garingalao’s second leg win of the season, following her triumph at the South Pacific leg in Davao in February . With 37 total points, she now sits comfortably inside the Top 4 of the girls’ 15-18 division rankings, guaranteeing her a spot on the North team for the grand finals.
A Star-Studded Finish at Beverly Place
The tournament also saw impressive performances from other young golfers. In the boys’ 15-18 division, Ryan Monsalve emerged victorious, while Race Manhit topped the 11-14 category with a dominant 13-shot win, marking his breakthrough after years of chasing his first victory . With night golf facilities available at the 128-hectare GEO-certified course, Beverly Place Golf Club in Mexico, Pampanga, continues to prove itself as a premier venue for junior golf development in Central Luzon .
For Garingalao, the win in Pampanga was more than just a trophy. It was a ticket to the grand finals. As she heads to Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro for the North vs. South Duel from August 17-20, 2026, she carries with her the confidence of a champion who knows how to win even on her off days .
