PSC Chairman’s Cup backs grassroots golf
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Golf Association of the Philippines will stage the PSC Chairman’s Cup on 9 October at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac to rally support for the Fairway to the Future grassroots golf program.
More than 100 golfers from government agencies, private sector partners and the media are expected to join the tournament, which begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Registration opens at 6 a.m.
PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio initiated Fairway to the Future in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen government support for grassroots sports.
The program seeks to provide free golf lessons and access to training facilities for qualified underprivileged children across the country, with priority potentially given to children and dependents of caddies and club employees.
“We believe golf talents can be found all over the country, and through this program, we might discover a diamond in the rough who can become a champion,” Gregorio said.
The Chairman’s Cup will use a four-person scramble format, with each team selecting its preferred shot and all four members playing from that position until the ball is holed.
Scores will be converted into Molave points: six for an albatross, five for an eagle, four for a birdie, three for par, two for a bogey and one for a double bogey. Triple bogey or worse earns no points. The highest total over 18 holes wins.
The Juniors division will recognize the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up teams. The Government Partners, Private Partners, Media and PSC–POC divisions will each award their champion and first runner-up teams.
Special hole awards will also be presented for the most accurate drive and longest drive on Hole 1, and nearest the pin and hole-in-one on Hole 13.
Fairway to the Future targets golfers aged 18 and below, including children of caddies, greenskeepers and club employees, public school students, out-of-school youth and young players from provincial communities.
It envisions community and school-based instruction, standardized coaching, regional training centers and a structured competition pathway. Under the proposed framework, participating facilities will provide designated practice areas free of charge and waive green fees for registered juniors during prescribed hours.
“We intend to expand our partnerships as we continue the program. Hopefully, more stakeholders will join us in providing opportunities for our children,” Gregorio said.
The PSC and National Golf Association of the Philippines will lead the nationwide development program in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of National Defense.
The PSC Chairman’s Cup is supported by its major sponsors Smart, John Hay Golf and Malbon Golf, and its minor sponsors Asia Brewery, Pocari Sweat, Milo, Patton Studio, Bluebird Golf, and Philippine Airlines. Special thanks to Philippine Golf Resort Reservations.