PUEBLO GOLF: Cradle of champions and legacy of excellence

AMID the rolling highlands of Cagayan de Oro lies a course etched in both history and ambition: Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club. Known simply as Pueblo Golf, the Robert Trent Jones II-designed, 18-hole, par-72 championship course continues to be among the region’s flagship golfing destinations.

Hailed as one of the top courses in the country, it has hosted iconic tournaments such as the PAL Interclub and the Southern Ladies Club, all while basking in panoramic views of the Bukidnon Mountains and Macajalar Bay. But beyond lush fairways and championship tees, Pueblo Golf carries a deeper commitment: the cultivation of the country’s next golf greats.

Pueblo de Oro Junior Golf was established to nurture the next generation of champions, transforming Pueblo Golf’s greens into a training ground for emerging talent. Through clinics, tournaments, and structured coaching, the program continues to develop world-class junior golfers—many of whom are already making their mark on both local and international stages.

The program is anchored by an exceptional coaching roster, led by Filipino golf icon and one of the country’s most decorated professionals, Mindanao native Frankie Miñoza. Joining him are esteemed player-developers Belem “Baling” Arancon, Elbert Gamolo, Ben Miñoza, and Roger Retuerto, veteran mentors whose combined experience continues to shape the future of Philippine golf from the grassroots to the global stage.

Among the standout young talents are Ralph Rian “Apollo” Batican, who brought home titles from Thailand’s Junior World and Indonesia’s Ciputra World Championship; Alethea Paige Gaccion, a consistent top performer across Asia and the United States with impressive finishes at events like the Philippine Ladies Open and the Faldo Series Grand Final; and Kiara Montebon, a rising star earning recognition both locally and on the United States collegiate circuit.

Ralph Rian ‘Apollo’ Batican secured the Class C Boys title at the Thailand Junior World Championships held at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, on November 2, 2024.

Alethea Gaccion secured the Division I Overall Individual Champion in the 29th LuzViMin Invitational Golf last November 19-21, 2024 with a total of 165 points.

The list only grows, with promising talents like Athena Batican, Alonzo Retuerto, Eliana Dumalaog, and others charging onto the international circuit, evidence that Pueblo’s junior initiative is as elite as it is inclusive.

Backing their journeys is Pueblo Golf’s unwavering support. The club has funded tournament participations, including the IMG Junior World Championships in California and the Philippine Ladies Open. It is this combination of mentorship, opportunity, and community backing that makes Pueblo Golf a vital force in national player development.

“Pueblo Golf has always stood for excellence,” says Prim B. Nolido, Chairman of Pueblo Golf and President & COO of Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation. “But now, it’s about legacy, about preparing the next generation not just to play, but to lead Philippine golf into the global spotlight.”

Athena Batican placed third at the Singha Thailand Junior Championships held in Hua Hin, Thailand on November 3, 2024.

Jacob Rolida was one of the representatives in the Philippine Team during the Nomura Cup held at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in November 2022.

As it enters its third decade, Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club continues to uphold its proud tradition by shaping champions not only on the scorecard but also in character and sportsmanship.