At just seven years old, Mikell Zachary “Zach” Guico swung his way into history by winning his age division in the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship — a feat that now sets the tone for his journey as a young prodigy from Pangasinan.
While most seven year-old kids are learning multiplication tables or riding bikes, Mikell Zachary “Zach” Guico was busy making history. The Binalonan, Pangasinan native won the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
He outplayed more than 100 competitors in the Boys 7-Year-Old Division. In three rounds, he made a total of 104 strokes. Overall, he was four under par. Guico's closest competitor, George Rowell of Great Britain, was at 108.
Now newly-turned eight, Zach is already preparing to take on a bigger challenge in the next boys' division. But no matter how far golf takes him, his story remains one of passion, persistence, and the joy of being a kid.
“I just like the sport,” Zach said simply. “It’s fun.”
A Natural Passion
His mom, Kerri Gail Ong-Guico, admitted golf wasn’t the most obvious sport for her youngest son.
“Golf kasi is not an easy sport. It’s not a very kid-friendly sport,” she explained. “But when I saw his passion, that’s when I realized that he has a natural talent for it.”
That passion showed itself early on.
“I think when he chose to still play even if there are already frustrations, that’s when I knew. He was still very interested, he still wants to play, practice,” she said.
Her constant reminder to Zach? “Enjoy the game.”
“Once you lose the passion, the love for the sport, you easily give up,” she added. “But if you keep that love and passion, that’s what’s going to keep you going.”
A World Champion’s Moment
For Zach, winning in Pinehurst didn’t sink in right away.
“At first I didn’t know because the group in front, I know they have a good game too. And possibility of also tying me,” he recalled. “But once I went to the scores desk, I already knew that I won there. It’s a good feeling for me.”
It was his biggest breakthrough yet — a world title at just seven years old.
Still Just a Kid
Despite the discipline needed to become a champion, Zach remains an eight-year-old at heart. Away from the greens, he spends time watching what he calls “random stuff” online and enjoys movies like Kpop Demon Hunters.
He may have the focus of a pro on the green. But at home, he’s still the youngest in the family — playful, curious, and full of energy.
Eyes on the Future
Zach’s next challenge is already set: the US Kids World Championship Boys 8-Year-Old Division. His ultimate dream? To one day tee off as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour.
But for now, he’s enjoying the ride, proving that greatness can come early — and that even champions are still kids at heart.
“I just love the sport,” Zach repeated with the same smile that won Pinehurst. “It’s fun.”