If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to bounce back from adversity and still come out on top, Jakob Taruc just gave us all a masterclass. And if you’re into inspiring blowouts, Rafa Anciano’s jaw-dropping 26-stroke win will blow your mind. Let’s dive into what went down at the thrilling ICTSI Junior PGT John Hay Championship—but be warned, this isn’t your average weekend golf story.
The Heart of a Champion: Taruc’s Clutch Comeback
The final round at John Hay was anything but smooth sailing for 17-year-old Jakob Taruc. Heading into the day, he knew what was at stake—a single slot left on the North’s boys 15-18 team for the National Elite Finals. One game. One chance.
A Rocky Start, a No-Quit Attitude
Taruc stumbled on the 11th hole with a painful double bogey—but talk about turning the tables. With nerves of steel, he bounced back immediately on the very next hole with a birdie, as his closest rival, Andres Fabie, crumbled under the pressure, surrendering two shots.
“I probably got a bit too eager with the driver going into the back nine,” Taruc admitted afterward. “But I kept reminding myself that God’s got my back—win or lose.”
That faith (and a rock-solid short game) propelled him to finish with a five-over-par 74. Not the flashiest scorecard, but enough to lock in his first-ever win on the tour and clinch that coveted last spot for October’s Ryder Cup-style National Elite Finals at The Country Club.
Battle of the Best: Fabie Falls Just Short
Now let’s give credit where it’s due—Andres Fabie wasn’t just standing around. He started the day with a narrow lead, and looked ready to walk away with his first win after five appearances.
Things got spicy on hole 11: Fabie birdied while Taruc double-bogeyed, flipping the leaderboard in dramatic fashion. But momentum is a fickle friend. Fabie stumbled with bogeys on 12, 13, and—even worse—a double on 14. That rollercoaster stretch allowed Taruc to keep the lead and never look back.
Fabie may not have taken the win, but something tells us we haven’t seen the last of him.
Rafa Anciano Steals the Spotlight with 26-Stroke Blitz
In the girls’ division, it was all Rafa Anciano—literally. The young phenom put on a golfing clinic and finished her final round with a sizzling 71. Her 26-stroke margin of victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Crushing the Competition
Anciano blew past the rest of the field with ease, giving herself a massive confidence boost as she gears up for October’s final showdown. Even with Ceana Bernardino finishing second with a total of 248 (after a shaky 82), it was clear: Rafa was in a league of her own this week.
Final Lineup for North’s Elite Teams
With the dust now settled, we’ve got our elite North lineup heading into what’s bound to be a thrilling Nationals:
Boys 15-18 Team:
- Patrick Tambalque
- Shin Suzuki
- Zach Villaroman
- Jakob Taruc (newly minted champ)
Girls 15-18 Team:
- Rafa Anciano
- Ceana Bernardino
- Levonne Talion (already qualified, skipped this round)
- Chloe Rada (clinched final spot with solid consistency)
Notables Who Missed the Cut:
- Kristoffer Nadales, ranked #4 before Baguio but had to withdraw due to prior commitments—giving Taruc the chance he so brilliantly seized.
More Than Just Birdies and Bogeys
What made this tournament special wasn’t just the drama—it was the heart. From Taruc’s quiet confidence and deep faith to Anciano’s utter command of the course, these young golfers reminded everyone that it’s not just about scores. It’s about resilience, spirit, and stepping up when it matters most.
So bring on October. If this was just the warm-up, the National Elite Finals promise to be a showdown to remember.
Want more stories like this, packed with heart, grit, and unforgettable finishes? Stick with us for all the updates on the Junior PGT tour and beyond. Who knows? You might just be reading about the next international golf sensation.