Building champions

When Oliver Gan took over as president of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) in late 2022, many in the golfing community saw a fresh sense of energy and purpose.

Oliver isn’t just a sports administrator — he’s someone who knows the game firsthand, having been a junior golfer and club champion himself. He came in with a clear vision: to help young Filipino golfers find their footing, compete at higher levels, and ultimately raise the country’s profile in the world of golf.

Oliver’s experience advising the Games and Amusements Board gave him a unique perspective on how to grow the sport strategically. His goal? To expand access to quality golf programs, boost international competitiveness, and create clear pathways so juniors can chase their dreams without barriers.

Bringing golf closer to home

One of the first things Oliver tackled was making golf more accessible beyond Metro Manila. He understood that talent isn’t just found in the capital — it’s everywhere.

So, the JGFP partnered with key golf clubs in Davao, Cavite, Clark, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, South Cotabato and Cebu — like Apo Golf and Country Club, Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, Mimosa Plus Golf Club, and John Hay Golf — to serve as regional hubs. These places now offer coaching, tournaments, and training programs closer to where many young players live.

By waiving entry fees and providing logistical support — especially to juniors coming from the caddie ranks — the foundation has made golf less about cost and travel challenges and more about opportunity. This approach has opened doors for kids from all kinds of backgrounds to try golf and compete on a level playing field.

The JGFP has also strengthened its grassroots efforts through its D-League events, designed specifically for developmental players. As a result, participation has grown significantly, with more young golfers getting consistent competitive experience. Tournaments are now held year-round, including the JGFP Interschool tournament, which spans five months and features a steady stream of matches for students across age groups.

Raising the bar with big-ticket tournaments

Under Oliver’s leadership, the JGFP’s tournaments have really stepped up. The JGFP Interclub Championship in 2025 featured 40 three-player teams, including international squads from Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. For young Filipino golfers, competing against peers from other countries provides invaluable experience and a taste of the global stage.

The JGFP Interschool Match Play Championships also keep the competition fierce. Schools like Xavier School have been powerhouses, sweeping both the Junior and Senior High divisions. But beyond trophies, these tournaments build something even more important: character, sportsmanship and resilience.

Up next: The Superkit Tour to be launched in July. It features eight legs in prime locations, including Cebu and Baguio City.

Celebrating young champions

Last December’s JGFP Christmas Ball was a heartwarming reminder of how far junior golf has come. Thirty-one young champs were honored for their hard work and success in both local and international tournaments. Among them was Rianne Malixi, who’s been making waves with her recent wins at the US Women’s Amateur and US Girls’ Junior championships. Rianne is more than just a champion — she’s become a role model for many juniors dreaming big.

This kind of recognition fuels the passion of young golfers and reinforces the foundation’s commitment to nurturing not just great players, but well-rounded individuals.

It takes a village: Private organizations step up

While the JGFP is a driving force, it’s far from alone. Groups like Play Golf Philippines have been busy running their tournaments that bring golf to kids from all walks of life. Play Golf brought the US Kids franchise in the Philippines, helping discover hidden talents and spread a love for the game far and wide.

At the same time, the Junior PGT has become a key stepping stone. With its structured tournaments and competitive circuits, the Junior PGT gives juniors the chance to hone their skills and build the mental toughness needed to excel at bigger levels.

Golf camps have been popping up across the country, including The Big Leap — hosted by world No. 5 Rianne Malixi and her father Roy at Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in Bulacan. The three-day camp brought together twenty of the nation’s top junior players, who benefited from training with leading coaches and experts in related fields.

Looking ahead: A bright future for Philippine golf

Thanks to the combined efforts of the JGFP, Play Golf Philippines, Junior PGT, and many others, junior golf in the Philippines is no longer a niche activity — it’s a thriving, growing movement.

As the country looks toward big moments like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there’s a real sense of excitement. The country’s young golfers are armed with the training, experience, and support to make their mark on the global stage.

Oliver Gan sums it up simply: “We’re not just growing golfers; we’re building a legacy. These kids have the talent and heart to take Philippine golf to new heights. And we’re here to help them every step of the way.”

The next generation of Filipino golfers is ready to swing into the future — and they’re doing it with passion, pride and purpose.