National team bets, rising stars collide in Stroke Play Championship

From left: Ralph Batican, Mhark Fernando III and John Bernis

Pilipinas Golf / JGFP

MANILA, Philippines — National pool standouts Rolando Bregente, Jet Hernandez and Chris Remata may enter the National Stroke Play Championship as the players to beat. But a talented cast of rising stars — including proteges and sons of former champions — is poised to challenge the established order when the four-day tournament gets underway Wednesday, July 29, at the Pinatubo course of Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.

Coming off a string of local and international tournaments, Bregente, Hernandez and Remata are expected to spearhead the title chase in the boys’ division. Yet much of the spotlight will also be on Ralph Batican, Mhark Fernando III and John Bernis, whose golfing journeys have been shaped by some of the country's most accomplished players.

Batican, 14, continues to develop under the guidance of Hall of Famer Frankie Miñoza, who has become so invested in the youngster’s progress that he occasionally serves as his caddie during tournaments.

Fernando III and Bernis, meanwhile, carry championship bloodlines into the event. Fernando is the son of 2009 Philippine Amateur champion Mhark Fernando Sr., while Bernis is the son of 2004 Philippine Amateur titlist Jun Bernis. Former teammates at Canlubang Golf and Country Club, the elder Fernando and Bernis now find themselves cheering for their own sons in one of the country's premier amateur championships organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

"I am very excited because this is my first time playing in a national tournament," said Fernando III in Filipino after getting his first look at the Pinatubo layout during Tuesday’s practice round. "I don't think the length will be a problem, but the greens are already challenging because they're quite fast."

The elder Fernando captured the Philippine Amateur crown at Eastridge in 2009, five years after the elder Bernis claimed the title at Villamor Golf Club.

Bernis, now a second-year student at Lyceum of the Philippines University, also welcomed the opportunity to test the Pinatubo layout, located beside the Arayat course within the sprawling Pradera Verde complex.

"I want to win everything that I can win," said Bernis in Filipino.

This marks only Bernis’ second appearance in a national tournament. He finished runner-up in the 2024 National Match Play Championship after losing to businessman Gary Sales in the final.

Sales' son, Harry, is likewise in the field, adding another intriguing storyline. The younger Sales has already built an impressive résumé, highlighted by topping a professional qualifying school.

"I gained a lot of experience from that tournament," said Bernis. "It will definitely help me this week."

The girls’ division also promises fireworks as Precious Zaragosa, Tashanah Balangauan and Crista Miñoza gear up for a showdown with twins Mona and Lisa Sarines, setting the stage for a compelling clash of power, precision and composure throughout the four-day championship.