The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is heading into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with something it hasn’t carried in a long time — real, tangible momentum.
Fresh from strong international outings and a standout performance at the Southeast Asia Team Championships, both the men’s and women’s amateur squads are entering the Thailand Games aiming high. Very high.
“Our target is all golds,” NGAP secretary-general Bones Floro said in a radio interview.
“It’s possible — men’s team, men’s individual, women’s team, and women’s individual. We haven’t won a gold medal in a long time.”
The Philippines is fielding its maximum roster: Four men and three women, all familiar names in the amateur circuit.
The women’s squad — Rianne Malixi, Grace Quintanilla and Junia Gabasa — is coming off a historic seventh-place finish at the World Amateur Team Championship in Singapore last October, the country’s best showing ever.
“They’re intact, and their confidence is high,” Floro said.
On the men’s side, Shinichi Suzuki, Perry Josef Bucay, Rolando Bregente and Chris Remata will carry the flag after clinching the Southeast Asia Team Championship title.
“These boys have been competing all year. They’re ready,” Floro added.
The last time the Philippines won SEA Games gold in golf was in 2019, when the country hosted the games. Since then, the best finish was a bronze in the women’s team event in Hanoi.
This time, however, the stars might just be aligning.
Floro confirmed that Malixi, who battled a back injury earlier in the year, is now “over 90 percent recovered” after therapy and conditioning. Quintanilla is flying in from the United States, while the men depart for Thailand on Monday.
The golf competitions will run from 11 to 14 December in Pattaya, over two hours away from the SEA Games main hub.
“We’re not sure yet if we can join the opening ceremony because the golf course is far,” Floro said. “But if the players can manage it, they’ll try.”
The biggest obstacle? Thailand.
“Thailand is a global powerhouse,” Floro admitted. “But we beat them recently, so we know we’re capable.”
The host country has chosen a 72-hole stroke-play format — four straight days, no match play. The Philippine delegation already had a practice round at the course, thanks to support from the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Familiarization was important — the grass and layout are very different,” he noted.
As the delegation packs their bags, Floro said the players’ energy is palpable.
“They rushed after their elite amateur event just to attend the send-off. They’re very excited, especially the first-timers.”
NGAP president Martin Lorenzo, whose own children are also competing in Thailand as equestrian athletes, will be there to support the golf team.
“Our golf teams are ready,” Floro said.
“We ask everyone — please support and pray for Team Philippines. We’re going for gold.”
