Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Pato Gregorio has put forward a proposal that could redefine who gets to play golf in this country — and who gets left out.

The plan is now with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., awaiting approval.

And it’s bold in its simplicity:

Open public golf courses to junior golfers for free, starting at noon, Monday to Sunday.

No exclusivity. No membership needed. No green fees.

Just kids — especially those from public schools — walking onto fairways that were once out of reach.

At least two courses, John Hay Golf and Club Intramuros, have already said they’re in.

Gregorio is clear: “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club, not just the ones who can afford it.”

He hopes the program will lead to scholarships in private universities and even formal inclusion of golf in collegiate sports calendars — turning today’s curious students into tomorrow’s varsity athletes, pros, or even champions.

And that’s where the heart of the story lies: the future of Philippine golf is bright — but still fragile.

A sport finally finding momentum

Gregorio’s proposal feels timely because Philippine golf is buzzing again.

The men’s and women’s tours are active, the Philippine Open is back, and events like the International Series Philippines bring world-ranking points home. Young golfers are filling tournament fields. Even pros abroad — like Miguel Tabuena and Rico Hoey — are giving the country global visibility.

By many measures, golf is in its most promising era in years.

But behind the momentum is a hard reality:

The sport is still mostly built for those who can afford it.

Access remains the sport’s biggest wall

For decades, golf has been one of the most inaccessible sports in the Philippines.

Clubs are private. Fees are high. Equipment is expensive.

Public courses are rare — and often the subject of debates about land use, water consumption and elitism.

When columnists suggest turning public courses into parks or housing, it’s not just talk. It shapes policy, zoning decisions and social perception.

Gregorio’s proposal goes straight at that tension.

It argues for inclusion, not exclusion; for opening golf, not defending it.

If juniors — especially public-school students — gain regular, free access, the sport’s entire social makeup could shift within a generation.