194 teams vie in Fil-Am golf invitational

BAGUIO CITY — An expected record field of close to 194 teams will be seeing action in the 57th Fil-Am Golf Invitational tournament at Baguio’s premiere golf courses of Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay with the tournament to be managed for the first time by the newly created Fil-Am Foundation.

Long regarded as the biggest golf tournament in the country, the 57th Fil-Am will be run by the foundation to, among others, jumpstart the development of golf in the Northern Luzon and Cordillera Region with the proceeds from this year’s event.

"It’s long overdue. We feel that the tournament which has been growing through the years should be run by a foundation with the aims of developing golf in the Cordilleras, promote tourism in Baguio City, foster Fil-Am ties and protect and enhance the environment here," said tournament co-chair Anthony de Leon, GM of Baguio Country Club and Jeric Hechanova, GM of Camp John Hay.

By estimate of the organizers, the Fil-Am through the years has been providing revenues to the city government of Baguio with an average of P35 million per year through hotel accommodations, food expenses, tournament and caddies fees. It hopes to generate enough funds this year with another record field with the income to be used as seed money for the programs of the foundation.

"We are actually solidifying the partnership of BCC and CJH in the holding of the Fil-Am. And with the foundation, we hope to earn funds that would be given back to the community through charitable works and donations," De Leon said.

Although four of the country’s top golfers, led by Marvin Dumandan, Jay Bayron, Mike Bibat and Gene Bondoc, will see action in the Doha Asian Games, a number of national pool players will play in the centerpiece championship division of the Fil-Am.

Seniors champion Tommy Manotoc has assured organizers that Nike Pacsports Team will defend its title in the regular Fil division championship against perennial rival Manila Southwoods, Mizuno and Del Monte.

Southwoods is the only squad among the chief contenders which has submitted a complete line-up in the Fil and Am divisions. Junior golf aces Miko Alejandro, Miko Yee, and Tonlits Asistio will team up with Anthony Fernando and Chucho Martinez for Fil.

Gino Bunyi, Ramontito Garcia, Jong Laput, Jun Jun Plana and Erwin Vinluan will play for Southwoods’ Am side.

Organizers expect the two courses to be in tip-top conditions for the event despite being hit by super typhooons Milenyo and Paeng and the renovations being made on holes No. 2 and 13 of the roller-coaster BCC.

Over at John Hay, Hechanova explained that the course will be ready notwithstanding the unusual amount of rainfall and the rush work being done on a number of greens in the pine tree-lined layout.

"We are confident that with the courses’ preparations on track and the foundation running the show, we will regain stature and prestige that Fil-Am has been known for," said Hechanova. — Lito A. Tacujan