North seeks hot start to offset South’s home course edge

Team North heads into the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals fully aware that the road to a second straight title will be far more demanding this time, because the squad has no familiarity with the host course.

Unlike last year’s inaugural edition at The Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna, where the North enjoyed familiar surroundings on the way to a convincing 26 1/2–21 1/2 triumph, this year’s title defense comes on South territory, where the hosts are expected to capitalize on their greater knowledge of the Pueblo de Oro layout in Cagayan de Oro.

North coach Joey Anciano, though, believes that preparation, chemistry and resilience can overcome local knowledge.

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“Not being familiar with Pueblo de Oro is our biggest challenge,” said Anciano. “But it will all come down to execution. To win, we have to start strong, adapt quickly to the layout, and finish strong on every single hole.”

North’s dominant victory a year ago was built on a blistering start. The defending champions took the opening Four-ball session, 8-4, before edging South, 6 1/2–5 1/2, in the Foursomes to establish a commanding lead.

They then held their nerve in the Singles, winning 11 of the 24 matches while halving two others to complete a decisive championship run.

Replicating that performance away from home will demand another complete team effort.