Coming on the heels of the successful JGFP Davao Championships at the Apo Golf and Country Club, the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines has entered into two important agreements that further boost the development of junior golf.
Over the weekend, JGFP president Oliver Gan signed a memorandum of agreement with Apo Golf president Leo Magno making the premier golf club the home of the JGFP in Mindanao.
Apo Golf waived green fees for more than a hundred participants in the recent four-day tournament, a generous gesture that goes a long way in JGFP’s grassroots programs.
Aldrien Gialon, one of Apo’s top bets, captured the premier boys’ 15 to 18 age-group division over Apo teammates Rolly Wacan and Rex Zaragosa.
“We are extremely delighted by the support we have been receiving so far,” said Gan who did not waste time hitting the ground running after taking the helm of JGFP.
Apo Golf is the third golf course to support the JGFP programs following Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in General Trias, Cavite and Mimosa Plus Golf Club in Clark, Angeles.
On Tuesday, the JGFP inked a partnership agreement with GolfX Corp. which runs an indoor golf center with four top-of-the-line golf simulators and a full pro shop in San Juan.
GolfX recognizes JGFP as an affiliate that allows its members to participate in activities and events it holds.
In return, JGFP recognizes GolfX as a partner in molding the future generation of golfers.
The agreement allows JGFP members access to the performance center.
JGFP members, 18 years old and below, will be given a 50-percent discount on the use of simulator bays, a 10 percent discount on food and beverages, and free use of the gym, locker and short game facilities.
“We would like to thank Terrence Jan Lim, Stephen Chua and Kris Etter for providing us access to GolfX,” said Gan who has lined up tournaments and activities.
On 28 and 29 January, the JGFP will hold another tournament at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City as part of its Mindanao swing.
The recent Davao tournament served as an eye-opener on the region’s rich source of untapped talents.
More than a hundred junior players signed up, forcing organizers to stretch the event to four days.
Entry fees were waived for children of caddies, pros, and club workers, allowing them to compete with players from nearby provinces and Metro Manila.
For the Cagayan de Oro leg, Gan said the tournament will be held for just two days because Pueblo de Oro closed its course for three days, including practice rounds to accommodate JGFP golfers.
On 21 January, the DMG D-League will be held at Club Intramuros.
Coinciding with tournaments is the ongoing weekend golf clinics at the Edwin Andrews Air Base golf course in Zamboanga City, an initiative of JGFP chairman Tommy Manotoc.
Four tournaments are set next month: JGFP Eagle Ridge Valentine Tournament on 11 and 12 February, three legs of the JGFP summer circuit at Riviera Sports and Eagle Ridge, and the IMG Junior World qualifying for Classes E and F on 24 to 26 February at Riviera Sports.
