Hitting the green — Local golf sees resurgence
With multiple winners and exciting developments, local pro golf stood tall as the true victor of the season.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LPGT DANIELLA Uy survives major tests at Forest Hills, Del Monte and Mimosa to clinch her first Order of Merit tiara.
Local golf post-pandemic era witnessed a remarkable resurgence, marked by 10 flourishing tournaments, both in the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT, held across the country's various championship courses.
The 2023 season's climax saw a strategic shift from stroke play competitions to the thrilling match play format, echoing the success of the previous year and providing a fitting conclusion to an intense and fiercely competitive season.
A diverse array of winners, with eight different victors in the PGT and seven in the LPGT, showcased the harmonious blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Even top amateurs left an indelible mark on the competitive landscape of the LPGT.
The season also saw a pro-active focus on junior-level development as the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. introduced innovative programs through the Junior PGT. A brainchild of long-time golf patron Enrique Razon of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., this year-long initiative featured a unique drive, chip and putt competition alongside the regular 18-hole stroke play tournament, thus giving the youngsters exposure to the other formats aimed at further enhancing both their long and short games.
In fact, Mindanao held its own qualifier to accommodate the influx of aspiring young golfers from the talent-rich region.
In the realm of the seasoned pros, Jhonnel Ababa and Daniella Uy claimed their maiden Order of Merit titles, embodying the enduring values of hard work, discipline and a positive mindset.
Ababa, a multi-titled campaigner, secured his first OOM trophy after a stellar campaign, spiked by a gripping victory at the Philippine Masters-Villamor and a commanding performance in the season-ending Mimosa Plus Championship.
With winnings of P1,499,825, the former national team standout solidified his position atop the rankings, surpassing former OOM winners Tony Lascuña and Clyde Mondilla.
"This (year) is most special because I got to realize my dream of becoming the No. 1 ranked in the Philippines," Ababa said, crediting his success to exceptional play and overcoming challenges throughout the season.