In response to the global initiative by The R&A to promote the growth of golf, the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) has implemented various post-pandemic programs and events in collaboration with golf clubs and charter members. The aim is to fulfill the goal of expanding the sport.
Over the last 26 months, NGAP successfully brought two major events back to the country – the APGC Junior Championships and the Nomura Cup. Additionally, NGAP played a significant role in the Queen Sirikit Cup, a competition featuring the region’s best amateurs in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and partner venues.
Southwoods hosts Nomura, Queen Sirikit Cup
Manila Southwoods hosted both the Nomura Cup and Queen Sirikit Cup, with Japan and Korea re-establishing their dominance, respectively.
Chinese-Taipei secured victories in both boys’ and girls’ titles at the APGC Junior Championships held at the Orchard.
NGAP president Martin Lorenzo attributed the success of these events to collaboration with external and internal partners, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving organizational goals.
Lorenzo highlighted the opportunities provided to local amateurs through invites from the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation for events like the APGC Junior Championships, Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
The challenge now, according to Lorenzo, is to keep the local talents competitive amid a continuous cycle of major competitions year-round since the end of the pandemic.
Rosal is new national coach
The responsibility of managing the national training pool and ensuring the country’s representation in multi-nation tournaments falls under the guidance of the new national team coach, Abe Rosal, along with Boyet Zaragosa.
Adequate funding will be allocated to support the country's participation in these competitions.
NGAP plans to continue collaborations with charter members such as the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Together with WGAP and the Philippine Sports Commission, NGAP initiated the 'Ready, Set, Golf' grassroots program to introduce the game to a broader audience and promote quality family time.
The amateur golf scene has been active with a year-round cycle of well-attended events, including major tournaments like the National Amateurs and the National Doubles, as well as various legs of the NGAP Junior Series providing venues for young talents to develop their skills.
NGAP has also been engaged in off-course activities, collaborating with The R&A for three rules and refereeing seminars. These initiatives aim to equip club officials and tournament organizers with the necessary skills, earning them The R&A certification.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics, NGAP will closely monitor the performance of elite talents such as Bianca Pagdanganan and Miguel Tabuena, ensuring they receive optimal support on their journey to a possible stint in Paris.
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