The PLAY Golf Premier Interschool Match Play showcased experienced junior golfers at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Villaroman Golf Academy (VGA) emerged as the champions of the first interschool match play, defeating De La Salle Zobel with a score of 3 to 1. Alternate partners Santino Pineda and Essa Janecek defeated the tandem of CC Gonzales and Georgina Handog at the 15th hole with a score of 4&3. The unbeatable pair of Patrick Tambalque and Levonne Talion claimed victory against Jacob Gomez and Dia Juane on the 12th hole, finishing with a commanding score of 7&6. Rafa Leonio and Gab Handog were the only victorious pair in the Best Ball match against Charles Serdenia and 7-year-old Franco Estrella, winning 1 up at the 18th hole in favor of De La Salle Zobel.

The High-Low match proved to be the deciding factor for the championship. Both teams were tied as they approached the 18th hole. Experience played a crucial role, as Zach Villaroman made an excellent second shot, landing just three feet from the hole for an easy birdie, while Celine Abalos managed an impressive up-and-down to save par. Despite TJ Padilla’s strong fighting spirit, making a long birdie putt from the fringe, his partner Santino Magtalas struggled with the bunker shot, ultimately giving Villaroman Golf Academy the hole and securing the 3 to 1 victory.

On the other hand, Ateneo de Manila captured third place by overcoming the strong roster of Homeschool Global. The best ball pairing of Aenzo Sulaik and Luis Espinosa won their match 5&4 against Rafael Manaol and Halo Pangilinan. High-Low duo Lujo Gomez and Javie Bautista sent Rafa Anciano and Tyra Garingalao home at the 12th hole, while aggregate partners Raj Crisostomo and Race Manhit broke the momentum of Kami Del Mundo and Kendra Garingalao by both making birdies on the challenging 13th hole, eventually winning their match 4&3. Bacolod junior golfer Inno Flores and Korean-Filipino Chan Ahn managed to break Ateneo’s winning streak by defeating Inigo Gallardo and Juanton Cruz.

VGA Captain Carito Villaroman shared that the spirit of good and fair competition was alive throughout the series, especially during the weekend. He noted how all the junior golfers and their parents showed tremendous support for their children and teammates.

JPGT Champion and VGA Co-Captain Zach Villaroman stated, “I wanted to finish strong for the team. With God’s help, my second shot landed very near the 18th hole, allowing me to secure that birdie. This is a great warm-up round for the Fil-Am.” National pool and De La Salle Zobel player TJ Padilla remarked, “Pigaan po talaga buong match! Ang ganda po ng labanan sa buong series.”

Junior World veteran and Ateneo de Manila’s top junior, Rajah Crisostomo, reflected on the series, noting that it provided valuable learning experiences for all participants. He emphasized the importance of trusting one another in difficult situations, stating, “Regardless of the outcomes—win, lose, or draw—our friendships remain strong.” Forest Hills Ladies Champion and Homeschool Global Co-Captain Rafa Anciano expressed gratitude for the chance to compete with top-caliber players, acknowledging that the team was pushed to their limits both emotionally and physically, leaving them knowing what aspects needed improvement.