Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio sees a bigger and bolder future staging of the Philippine Golf Championship (PGC) following its resounding success over the weekend.

The $500,000 event presented by the PSC and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and sponsored by BingoPlus was a milestone event as the country hosted the Asian Tour kickoff tournament for the first time. 

More than 130 professional and amateur players from around the world, including 42 Filipino bets, took part in the four-day fairway feast at the grand but super challenging East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.   

“I'm very happy. It's the first time we're doing this. It's the kickoff tournament for the Asian Tour,” Gregorio said during Sunday’s final round. 

“We hope to make this bigger and more exciting next year and in the next few years. It's just right that we do it in Wack Wack. A beautiful golf course and a very difficult golf course. With the cooperation of (Wack Wack) chairman (Benjamin Abalos Sr.) and of course President Martin (Lorenzo) of NGAP, here we are, done with the first leg of the Asian Tour.”

Korean Wooyoung Cho emerged victorious, rallying from two strokes down heading into the final round to card a course record 11-under-par 277. 

“Congratulations to the winner, Cho from Korea. I'm just so excited. I'm sure more Korean golfers will visit the Philippines soon because of this win and that’s the reason why we're doing this,” Gregorio said.

The PSC chief was also elated by the recent elevation of the PSC to the International Series, inspiring the government agency to put on a better show next year.

“As I've said, more hosting to come from us and us at the PSC, we're just so happy to spearhead all of this. This is what the sports industry needs in the Philippines,” he said.

“Funding all of this it's an investment for Philippine sports and sports tourism. So, we'll never hesitate as long as it gives us all the values, all the media values. We become the talk of the town in sports tourism. We can position the Philippines as one of the best golf destinations in the world. That's it. It's a very good strategy.”

Aside from bringing in top-caliber golfers, Gregorio underscored that hosting golf tournaments here is like hitting two birds with one stone. It will not only benefit local players by honing and elevating their skills but also promote the country as a golfing destination.

“When you host an international tournament here, the young generation can observe, can watch, can really analyze the level of competition. When you host an international tournament, you develop the sport, you fast-track the development of the sport and you highlight the beauty of the destination,” said Gregorio, who also chairs the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.