R&A gives Phl golf program a big boost

MANILA, Philippines -  It’s just about time for The R&A to lend a hand to Philippine golf.

Dominic Wall, director for Asia-Pacific for The R&A, is in town looking for ways how the world governing body in golf could help the sport in the country.

“That’s why we’re here, looking for ways how we can best assist the NGAP (National Golf Association of the Philippines), and how we can help grow the game,” said the Australian visitor.

Tommy Manotoc, president of the NGAP, is making sure that Wall, a first-timer in the Philippines, likes what he sees. He’s only been here for three days and so far, it’s all been positive.

“One good thing here is that you’re building from a very good base. The base is very good,” said Wall over lunch at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Wall rode the cart with the NGAP chief yesterday for a quick look at the course and the final round of the Philippine Amateur Open Championship at Wack Wack East.

“I find it fantastic – the layout,” said The R&A official who also described 15-year-old Filipino Rupert Zaragosa as a “very talented” player.

The R&A has its presence felt in 126 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, but it’s only now that it’s stepping into the Philippine scene.Yearly it spends around $10 million promoting the sport.

“Asia alone is a very big region,” said Wall, who still hoped that the opportunity to help Philippine golf “had come sooner.”

He said there’s just a tremendous boom in Asian golf, particularly in China where only since 1985 over 650 golf courses have been built, and more to come.

“They might need 2,000 courses to cater to the demand,” added the golf official who also mentioned similar development in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Wall said he’s looking at the Philippines as a possible venue for the Asian Championships in three or four years.

“To bring this championship to as many countries and after what I saw the Philippines indeed is a good candidate,” he said.

“We’re looking at what could be the best way to move forward. We’d be very happy to support the system. With Tommy here we have the confidence something will move forward in the positive direction,” added Wall.

He mentioned the possibility of the NGAP drawing the needed support, financial and otherwise, from the many different golf clubs around the country.

Wall said it’s a pattern being used by the Koreans, where the golf association gets something from the golf clubs, and not just from sponsors or the government.

“It’s a system where the golf clubs can support the (national) association because it’s very hard to rely on the sponsors or even the government for support.”

Manotoc, now a candidate for membership of The R&A, liked what he heard.

“I think it’s time for NGAP to be associated with The R&A. With their help, slowly but surely we will move forward. I’m happy they’re here,” said the NGAP president.