Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines president Johnel Bulawit was visibly thrilled with the successful Pro-Am meet at Forest Hills recently.

The Pro-Am at the Palmer course was a good test for the pros. It is a championship course and will test their skills.

The alternate shot, said Bulawit, was a great equalizer because it showed how difficult the palmer layout is.

But more than that, it's the challenge posed by the newly upgraded course that made it happen.

"As you can see, we are doing improvements. Fairways are in pristine condition. Some holes and greens though are being developed but overall, the Palmer is in tip top shape," said general manager Raymond Bunquin.

The course is championship-ready according to top-notch sportsman Tommy Manotoc.

"As I watched Gab play, I can feel the toughness of the course. Plus, I've never seen a layout with a scenic view. I already asked GM Raymond Bunquin if I could play and he readily said yes."

Bulawit thanked Forest Hills chairman Robert John Sobrepeña. "He helped us a lot. He waived the green fee that's why we were able to raise the prize money to P500,000."

Both Sobrepeña and Bulawit are hoping to stage more Pro-Am events at John Hay and Southwoods which, like the Forest Hills, are owned and managed by the former.