LINES ARE DRAWN

With just five weeks left before the National Golf Association of the Philippines elections, several issues have cropped up that are expected to decide its outcome.

But who will be at the opposing ends of what is considered the most anticipated poll of all national sports associations this year?

On one hand, NGAP president Martin Lorenzo is expected to seek another two-year term. His slate is composed of incumbent board of directors who represent some of the biggest golf clubs in the country.

But it won't be a walk in the park for the businessman-sportsman.

He will be challenged by former congressman Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo who has reportedly completed his own ticket.

Arroyo is seen as an outsider in the race although his entire family is into golf and he is serving as "godfather" for the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

On 5 April, member-clubs all over the Philippines are set to elect candidates for the 11-man board of trustees who will then elect president and officers down the line.

The election's outcome, however, will depend on the member-clubs' sentiments over several issues.

One of them is the controversial handicapping system. After more than 10 years, NGAP broke ties with provider Silicon Computer headed by Rodel Mangulabnan late last year.

NGAP has since tapped the services of a foreign-based provider which they claimed is providing better service at a lower cost for the association.

But the issue won't die down as the decision continues to receive hostile reactions from groups of golfers who said they have been "adversely affected" by it.

Mike Besa, founder of Play It Right Viber community and Pinoygolfer Facebook page, said the timing was "especially harmful as all the clubs' member-guest tournaments as well as the PAL Interclub was affected by the transition from one provider to another."

In a lengthy post, Besa even called out NGAP which he said should have held the election already 24 February 2023.

"That means this board has been over-staying for one year and two months."

Besa also cited the letter sent by Iloilo Golf and Country Club questioning the delayed NGAP elections.

"I have no axe to grind with anyone on either side but want to understand what's going on with the governing body of golf in the country," Besa wrote.

At any rate, Lorenzo will have the edge as an incumbent and is reportedly leaning on the votes of the power bloc of golf courses owned and operated by Sta. Lucia Realty and Fil-Estate.

But Arroyo is reportedly counting on the clubs seeking change.