Over 70 golfers vie in Mindanao regional

MANILA, Philippines - More than 70 players have so far signed up to see action in the National Golf Association of the Philippines’ Mindanao Regional championship set to tee off next week at Apo Golf in Davao.

The event, which gets off the ground on Wednesday, is part of the Globe-NGAP Amateur circuit. List-up is still being accepted at the host club (082 2972090) or at the NGAP office with (7065926 or 5179778).

A mid-am division is also on tap, where male players who are 30 and above with handicaps of 9.5 or better are eligible to play.

“Having the mid-am division is the NGAP’s way of connecting to the ordinary golfer,” NGAP president Tommy Manotoc said. “Our tournaments are not just for the development of the elite players.”

Art Arbole is the centerpiece men’s event’s first champion, winning it last year in his hometown in Bukidnon when Del Monte hosted the event. He has turned pro at the start of this year.

Play in the first two days in all divisions will be stroke for qualifying before play shifts to match for the last three days.

The first 25 senior golfers, 55 years old (as of April 11, 2012)  and above  will be accepted for the senior division. Only the May 2012 handicap index reference will be accepted.