Forged by his parents’ sacrifices, seven-year-old Pangasinan prodigy Mikell Zachary “Zach” Guico rose to capture the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it also takes a supportive family to raise a champion.
At just seven years old, Mikell Zachary “Zach” Guico etched his name in history by winning his age division in the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship, a victory that not only showcased his talent but also reflected the deep foundation of love, discipline, and sacrifice built by his family.
For Zach’s mother, Kerri Ong-Guico, victories and losses are both part of the bigger lesson.
“When it comes to losing, of course may mga competitions na mas masakit usually, example it’s a playoff. Kapag playoff talaga, mas nasasaktan siya. In a normal game, he takes it very well. After all, it’s a game. After the game, maglalaro sila ulit,” she said.
She shares that from the very beginning, she and her husband instilled in Zach the idea that golf is not about competing against others, but about overcoming oneself.
“I always tell him na it’s a game between yourself against the golf course. It’s not against anybody else.”
This philosophy became central in shaping Zach’s character. Responsibility and resilience were taught early.
“We taught him early on na you have to be responsible sa lahat ng shots mo. Even if he makes mistakes, it’s fine. Kasi making mistakes kasi, we take it positive. Kasi they learn from it,” she explained.
For the Guico family, mistakes are not failures, but stepping stones. Allowing Zach to experience challenges on his own built not only his game but also his mental toughness.
“Kasi kids kasi, you just have to leave them and let them experience failure. Failure is not something bad talaga. As long as you learn from it.”
The role of parents, however, remains irreplaceable. Beyond coaches and training, it is the presence of family that gives Zach strength in his most vulnerable moments.
“Very good for the mental state and also they can feel the support of the parents. Especially when they get scared, they know somebody is there. Nothing against coaches, but sometimes family is different. Especially mom and dad will be there.”
Kerri recalled how even in the middle of high-pressure competition, Zach would turn to her for reassurance.
“This championship, medyo na-tense siguro and he would be like ‘Mom, are you still proud of me?’ Imagine if I wasn’t there, how can he process his emotions ‘di ba?”
The entire family has made sacrifices for Zach’s journey. His father adjusted work schedules, even taking late-night calls in the U.S. during their 40-day stay, while his siblings also stood by him, turning tournaments into family bonding moments.
“I think my husband. Kasi he’s with us for 40 days. He would do work opposite ‘yong time. Sometimes he would do phone calls weird time in the U.S.”
The story of Zach’s triumph is more than just about a child’s extraordinary skill. It is about a family’s shared commitment — the long travels, the sleepless nights, the quiet reassurances, and the unspoken sacrifices that lay the groundwork for a dream.
For the young golfer from Pangasinan, every swing is backed by a village, and every victory is a family’s victory.