The golden age of Philippine golf has truly arrived.
After hosting the prestigious International Series Philippines last October, the country is set to organize another major golf event — the Philippine President’s Cup — from 5 to 8 February at the famed East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the prestigious $500,000-event is part of his mandate to drive sports tourism in the country after being appointed as chief of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee recently.
Helping the PSC in turning the Asian Tour leg into a massive success are the National Golf Association of the Philippines, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, and Bingo Plus, which will serve as main sponsor.
“We want the golfing world to continue coming to our country and see the beauty of it through our golf tournaments,” Gregorio said.
“This is just to say that our country is a great golf destination, and a great sports destination.”
Aside from Gregorio, also gracing the press launch of the event late Monday at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City are NGAP president Martin Lorenzo, NGAP vice president Leana Carmona, NGAP secretary general Bones Floro, NGAP treasurer Al Panlilio, Wack Wack president Ben Abalos, and PSC commissioners Edward Hayco and Matthew “Fritz” Gaston.
Some members of the NGAP board of trustees like Vicente “Enteng” Santos, Kit Angeles and Tom Clemente were also in attendance to support the initiative that aims to drive sports tourism, boost the experience of local golfers and give Filipino golf fans a one of a kind fairway action.
Three months ago, Filipinos were treated to topnotch fairway action when some of the world’s brightest golf stars led by 24-time PGA Tour winner Dustin Johnson and former Masters champion Patrick Reed descended on the Philippines to vie for the International Series crown at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Laguna.
The event turned into a massive success with a huge crowd showing up to witness local golfers defend their turf. Filipino fans, however, were not disappointed as a Filipino shotmaker in Miguel Tabuena emerged victorious after sinking a dramatic putt in the 18th hole.
Floro said nothing is definite at the moment but they expect Tabuena and other local aces to confirm their participation in this 72-hole tournament that will feature 97 Asian Tour members, 25 Filipino pros and six national amateur players.
Aside from the Philippine President’s Cup, the NGAP is also set to host the Philippine Open, Asia’s oldest national championship, later in the year, hopefully to be elevated as an International Series event with a $2-million pot.
