Proving that Davao’s athletic talent knows no age limit, a Davao City councilor has commended an eight-year-old Dabawenya golfer after swinging a golden trail of championships victories across national and international competitions.
Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, during his privilege speech on Tuesday, conveyed his appreciation to the young Dabawenya golfer, Zoey Behati Ruiz Mascarinas, noting that her achievements exemplify how sports help the city’s youth to cultivate determination and excellence while proudly carrying the banner of Davao City and the Philippines.
“As a city that values excellence and nurture the potential of its youth. It is only fitting that we recognize young athletes like Zoey, whose achievements inspire other children to pursue sports driver excellence and proudly represent Davao City and the Philippines in the international stage,” he said.
Zoey’s commendation follows her crowning as Champion of the 2026 Philippine Open Championships held at the Mimosa Golf Course in Clark, Pampanga, where she dominated the Girls 8 and Under Division.
She also conquered the 2026 US Kids Spring Season Tour, winning four out of six tournament legs to secure the Season Champion title and placed Top 5 out of 69 competitors in the Under Armour Junior World Championships 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
She is also Top 19 out of 50 competitors in the 2026 USwing Mojing Junior World Tour in San Diego, California and Top 16 out of 94 participants in the 2026 World Golf Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina, earning a World Championship Medallion for finishing among the Top 20 in her division.
Her earlier victories include also includes a third-place finish in the 2025 New Zealand Championship in Auckland and championship titles in the US Kids Local Tour and the Superkit Junior Elite International Tour in Cebu City and Luisita, Tarlac.
The councilor also passed a resolution commending Zoey Behati Ruiz Mascarinas for her remarkable achievements in the sport of golf, bringing honor and pride to Davao City and the Philippines.
“Her achievement are a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work, discipline and perseverance. Every trophy and every medallion are countless hours of practice, determination and guidance of dedicated coaches and steadfast support of her family,” he added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: Edge Davao