It’s always a pleasure playing at Sta. Elena, arguably the country’s best golf club.

While Sta. Elena isn’t the longest nor the most challenging, the quality of course maintenance, the impeccable service, the homey vibe, and the consistently good food make for a club that’s a perennial favorite for corporate golf events.

Sta. Elena’s location and accessibility are also a plus, as it is one of the few clubs that are just off SLEX. No need to navigate tight local roads, and no traffic getting off or into SLEX.

I am sure a lot of golfers, myself included, wish we could’ve bought shares when they were still reasonable.

Now hovering at the P30-million mark, it has gotten way too expensive for most.

Since Sta. Elena is a popular choice for corporate golf tournaments, we at least get to play it regularly. This was true just a week ago during the 2024 Coca-Cola Golf Classic.

This annual gathering of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) executives, valued clients, and friends is always a fun shootout, with teams playing in a modified scramble format.

Each team member takes a tee shot, and whichever ball is selected, the player who hit it doesn’t participate in the next shot. This process continues until the ball is holed. For our team of four, after the tee shot, only three of us continue playing the rest of the hole. This fun format ensures no single member dominates the round, allowing everyone the chance to contribute.

Our team consisted of Mr. Bing Matoto and me from the Daily Tribune, along with Mr. Randy Caluag from Manila Standard and Mr. Marc Anthony Reyes from GMA Online.

Between trying to hit bombs off the tee, to the order of play, and helping each other read putts, it was a terrific day filled with laughter and not-too-serious golf.

We played decently, making three birdies, but we were simply no match for the other teams, who shot in the low 60s, with two teams even scoring 13-under 59s.

Aside from the golf, food, and drinks, we were treated to special prizes in the raffle.

As a bonus, we had the opportunity to meet two of our top Filipina golfers: Olympian Bianca Pagdanganan and Ladies European Tour regular Sam Bruce.

This year’s Coca-Cola Golf Classic was postponed a few months ago due to a typhoon, but this turn of events proved fortunate, as it allowed Bianca and Sam to join the tournament.

Of course, the main purpose of this annual event is to give back to the community.

As Gareth McGeown, CEO and president of CCBPI, shares: “At CCBPI, we believe we are only as strong as the communities we serve — a belief shared by all our partners. Every year at the Coca-Cola Golf Classic, we come together to enjoy a memorable day and witness the significant impact of our collective efforts in refreshing the Philippines and making a difference. We thank our partners and sponsors, whose support enables us to continue uplifting the lives of Filipinos through initiatives focused on impactful community support.”

In the past year, the funds raised supported disaster response initiatives, including relief efforts for communities affected by the recent typhoons that struck the country.

Last year’s efforts strengthened the continued partnership between CCBPI, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc., and AHA Learning Center — an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to nurturing high-potential public school students and shaping future Filipino role models.

Pledges from the 2024 tournament’s partners are set to sustain Coca-Cola’s ongoing partnership with the AHA Learning Center, as well as support an expanded range of programs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to promoting long-term community well-being.

This year’s tournament concluded with an exciting finish, as Romeo Castro Jr., Mario Rafael Mañaol, Josef Andrew Mendoza and Raymundo Juanchoe emerged as the overall team champions, with an impressive winning gross score of 59.

The Coca-Cola Golf Classic 2024 was made possible by its esteemed sponsors: Gold sponsors Petron Corporation and San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation; Silver sponsors Asia Brewery Inc., Indorama Ventures, Marsh Philippines Inc., Hwangs Inc., Lorenzo Shipping Line, Sucden Philippines Inc., CWS Water Treatment Specialists, The Manila Times and BusinessMirror; Bronze sponsors Isuzu Philippines Corporation, TEG Holdings (Go Golf Productions), Lamitek Systems Inc., PLDT, Medicard, Agro Bulk Marine Corporation, Premiere Travel & Tours Inc., and Aboitiz’s Advent Energy; Hole-in-One sponsors The Turf Company, Metrobank, Hannibal, Isla LPG and Diamond Rent-a-Car; with special thanks to Gothong Southern Shipping Lines; and event snack partners Shakey’s Pizza and Potato Corner.

Golf with friends new and old, good food, wonderful prizes, and a chance to make a difference in the community…what more can we ask for?