60th Fil-Am golf to push through

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The 60th Fil-Am golf invitational championship, the longest running amateur golf tournament in the country, will push through next month despite the devastation wrought by Typhoon Pepeng in the city.

“We will have the Fil-Am despite the setbacks that we suffered due to Typhoon Pepeng. Players will still come although they will have to endure a little longer travel time to Baguio,” said Anthony de Leon, general manager of Baguio Country Club.

Camp John Hay golf manager Tim Allen also said that final preparations are being done for the event slated Nov. 22-Dec. 6 at the CJH and BCC courses.

“The participants would want to help in the rebuilding efforts for Baguio,” said Allen. “Certainly, the Fil-Am is a go. Neither both clubs were affected by the typhoon (Pepeng) and Fil-Am is already an institution.”

Organizers are now finalizing the rosters in both the senior and regular competitions as well as the host clubs, which are being spruced up in time for the tournament.

“Everything is in place,” said BCC resident manager Shin Paul Chan, who co-chairs the event with Allen. “After four months of preparations, our clubs are ready.”

He added that there have been no cancellations either by players or sponsors.

The 60th Fil-Am will also be held in commemoration of Baguio City’s centennial celebrations.

First played in 1949 between the late Philippine ambassador Rogelio de la Rosa and American dignitaries at the former rest and recreation center, the Fil-Am has grown to become one of the biggest amateur golfing events in the world.

Five years ago, the Fil-Am put up the senior division for 55-years-old and above.

Since then it became a two-week tournament where more than 1,000 players compete for golf supremacy and fellowship.

The seniors division will be held in the first week with the regulars competition capping the event the following week. – Artemio Dumlao