Jaden Dumdumaya was not born yet when the Philippines last won a gold medal in men’s golf in the Southeast Asian Games.
Since completing a gold medal sweep at home in 2005, the Filipinos’ fortunes went south with only a silver and two bronzes to show in the men’s event.
Next week, the Filipinos try to end an 18-year drought when they compete in the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Dumdumaya, the youngest member of the team at 16, is joining hands with Luigi Paolo Wong, Enrique Dimayuga and Aidric Chan, the only player with SEAG experience.
Chan was a member of the team that won the country’s last medal — a bronze in 2019.
Despite fielding three rookies, the Philippines may yet have a strong chance of pulling off a surprise.
Dumdumaya has made his mark in the Junior Tour of North California where he was named Player of the Year in 2021. He also won the drive, pitch and putt title at Augusta National in Georgia last year.
The De La Salle High School standout is set to join the University of Southern California when he enters college.
“It gives me pride and joy to be able to have the opportunity to represent the Philippines for the first time,” said Dumdumaya, who flew in from San Francisco.
“I’m excited to be out in Cambodia with my teammates and experience an incredible event. Looking forward to playing some good golf with my team and taking home the gold.”
Chan came from Los Angeles and was equally excited.
“We have a very good team and experienced individuals,” said the University of Arizona star.
Wong, on the other hand, said his preparations are going well.
“I’ve been working on every aspect of my game,” said the 23-year-old who plays for San Jose State University.
Wong said he did a little research on the Garden City Stadium course.
“It seems that there are a lot of water hazards. Tee shots seem to be the key on this course,” he said.
British-born Dimayuga, a University of Arkansas standout, is also wearing the national jersey for the first time. He used to be a member of England’s national junior team.
The last Filipino to win gold in the Games was Juvic Pagunsan who also shared the team gold with Jay Bayron, Michael Bibat and Marvin Dumandan during the 2005 Games in Manila.
Thailand looms as the Philippines’ biggest obstacle.
Led by teen phenom Ratchanon Chantananuwat, the Thais are gunning for a sweep of all four gold medals.
The other members of the formidable men’s squad are Asit Areephan, Jira Dej Chaowarat and Achita Peamkulvanich.
The Thai men only won a team silver and an individual bronze in Vietnam.
