His name means bright or sky. His name in Greek methodology means the strongest of the gods in the Ancient Greek religion because he has both power and intelligence. His name is synonymous with golf in Davao City which he calls home.
And now, his name is engraved as the champion in the recent Philippines Amateur Open Championship held at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club north course.
His name is Zeus Sara.
Zeus star has been shining brightly in the Philippine Amateur golf arena in recent months. He was a member of the Philippine team that finished second behind champion China in the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship at Kebab Golf Seri Selangor, Malaysia. He is a member of the RP team for the Nomura Cup ,also known as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship, a biennial amateur team golf championship for men to be held later this year in Vietnam.
He’s due to leave first week of July to compete at the IMG Junior World in San Diego, California, USA after finishing second in the IMG Junior qualifying in Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac in April of this year.
Zeus has expanded his horizon.
After winning practically all the individual honors in amateur golf in his hometown Davao City, Zeus moved a notch higher by competing in a new playing field, to a much competitive Luzon and Metro Manila. And compete he did. He made his mark in Junior golf and now has set his goal in a higher level.
The Philippine Open Amateur golf championship.
His journey at the Philippine Open Amateur Golf tournament started by competing in the 36 holes’ stroke play elimination round. His two days’ adventure however has its share of ups and downs. Maybe a part of rookie jitters and nerves.
Zeus Day 1 is promising. Surprisingly he was among the leader after Day 1 in stroke play. He trailed the leader by a stroke but hit his foot on the second day and stumbled to finish at 12th position among the 16 final qualifiers.
He regained his composure at the start of Day 1 Match play version by beating 5th ranked Bobe Salahug 4 &3. His joy and happiness however is short lived upon learning that his next opponent at the quarter finals opponent would be his play mate and buddy from Davao, Edison Tabalin. The two Davao protagonist however fought tooth and nail with the younger Zeus prevailing in the end over his much seasoned golfing buddy in the same dominating 4 & 3 score.
Come the semis where Zeus Sara is pitted against top ranked Jolo Magcalayo.
“My strategy is just to hit the fairways so that I can have a good chance of hitting green. Hitting it close to the pin is the plan but we will focus on making pars” said Zeus prior to the match.
Buoyed up by his new found confidence and nerve of steel Zeus fought with conviction amidst the encouragement of his mom Jing Torres and Davao supporters among the gallery that ultimately tamed Magcalayo 2&1. The closest so far in his conquest.
The finals is set. Coined as the battle of ages. Pitting the youth against the most senior among the competitors. The 18 year old Zeus who recently graduated from Grade 12 in Mapua Malayan College in Davao City is among the top guns in Junior golf in the country while the 41-year-old businessman Gary Sales is a seasoned veteran in amateur golf scene aspiring to have the coveted crown to be added among his collection in his closet.
But the expected grand finale, a battle royale did not materialize in the finals. Devoid of drama and thrill the young Zeus dominated the grueling 36 holes finals with an imposing 5&4 victory. The highly anticipated battle royale has turned into a formality in the coronation of the new king of Philippine Amateur golf.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, but I got the job done! I’m so honored to call myself a Philippine Amateur Match Play Champion and to have my name on the iconic perpetual trophy. Feels good to finally win again” said Sara humbly after receiving his trophy.
What’s next for Zeus?
“He’ll rest for a while Sir” said his mom Jhing Torres. He’ll be preparing for the San Diego Tournament early July. After that, there’s the Nomura Cup in Vietnam kaya ma busy talaga sya. Let’s support him meanwhile thru prayers” Torres concluded.
The challenges await in the horizon of the golfing world. Keep on reaching for the stars, keep on scaling the heights to be conquered.
Indeed the world is yours to own Zeus.
