In the heart of Davao City, where the vibrant hum of life meets the rolling greens of golf courses, a seven-year-old prodigy named Zoey Mascarinas is rewriting the script for what it means to dream big and play even bigger.
Her name is now firmly etched into the annals of junior golf as she gears up to compete in the US Kids Golf World Championship 2025—an unparalleled stage where the finest junior golfers from nearly 50 countries converge to showcase their talent.
Zoey’s journey to this global tournament began last November 2024, during the qualifying rounds held in Singapore. The event, composed of four rigorous legs, demanded consistency, resilience, and skill. In the third leg, Zoey left spectators in awe as she clinched the championship title, earning her place as one of the Philippines’ best junior golfers. She secured runner-up finishes in the other legs, proving that her talent shines not in fleeting moments but in sustained excellence.
The announcement of her qualification brought immense joy to her family, especially her father, Jipjip Mascarinas. “We got the qualifying result just today, and she is officially qualified to play in the Junior World Championship under-7 division this coming July. This is the biggest global golf event where only the best in their country are invited. Almost 50 countries will be represented at this competition,” he shared, his pride and excitement evident.
But Zoey’s path to Pinehurst wasn’t just about scorecards and championships—it’s rooted in the enduring bond between father and daughter. Jipjip recalls how Zoey first found her footing in golf: “I was looking for an activity where we could bond. Most of her time, at least 90%, is spent with her mom. So we talked and decided we should have a common interest. Since I play golf, I introduced her to the sport. At first, it was just at the driving range, but she eventually grew to love it. Then she started joining tournaments, and when she made friends in golf from Manila, CDO, and even abroad, her enthusiasm grew even stronger.”
A student of Abbas Orchard School, Zoey practices with unwavering discipline—spending 3-4 sessions a week refining her swing after school and dedicating weekends to honing her craft. While her list of accolades is already impressive, including titles from tournaments such as US Kids Golf Singapore, Junior Golf Tour Malarayat, Malaysian Qualifying, JGFP Batangas, and JGFP Eagle Ridge, Zoey’s father emphasizes that it’s not just about the wins. “She started winning tournaments as well, but it’s more about her having fun now, because she has friends,” he says.
This April, Zoey will take another leap forward as she competes in the Australian Masters Junior Golf Tour in Sydney on April 23-24—a stepping stone toward her debut at Pinehurst this July. The stakes are high, but for Zoey, the joy of playing and the friendships she’s formed along the way outweigh the pressures of competition.
The Prestige of Pinehurst
Pinehurst, often referred to as the “Cradle of American Golf,” is a name that resonates deeply within the golfing world. Located in North Carolina, it is home to some of the most iconic courses in the sport, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, which has hosted numerous major championships and is revered for its challenging design and rich history. The resort itself is a symbol of golfing excellence, attracting players from around the globe who seek to walk the same fairways as legends of the game. For junior golfers like Zoey, competing at Pinehurst is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to be part of a legacy, to test their skills on hallowed grounds, and to experience the pinnacle of junior golf competition.
Another girl from Davao, Alessandra Nagayo, duaghter of former Davao City councilor Rachel Zozobrado Nagayo, once represented the Philippines at the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina as an 11-year old. She earned her spot by topping the 11-year-old division in the qualifiers held at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Cavite. Nagayo now plays for Kennesaw State University in the US NCAA Golf.
Zoey’s journey is a testament to the magic that unfolds when passion meets perseverance. Supported by her loving parents, Jipjip and Sharon Mascarinas, and cheered on by the Philippines, she embodies the spirit of youthful determination, proving that even the tiniest golfers can make the biggest waves.
As Zoey swings her way onto the global stage, she carries with her not just the hopes of her nation but also the dreams of young athletes everywhere—reminding us that it’s never too early to aim for the stars and take that first, daring shot.
