Mini jungolf school to be launched at Southwoods

MANILA, Philippines - Swing coach Bong Lopez will launch a mini junior golf school at Manila Southwoods next month in an effort to expand the ranks’ base and at the same time give something back to the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

In fact, the former national champion and mentor of the national women’s team has sought the endorsement of no less than JGFP president Luigi Tabuena, who promptly gave his approval to push through with the worthwhile project.

Under the scheme, Manila Southwoods will allow the free use of its range for up to four players on weekends. On special requests, the students will be allowed to play either at the Legends course or Masters layout.

“I am thankful that Sir Luigi accepted my offer to put this mini golf school on gratis. This is also my way of showing appreciation to JGFP, where I honed my talent and skills,” said Lopez.

Tabuena will also be in charge in the selection of the school’s scholars.

Lopez added that the school will not run in conflict with Jungolf’s program but will actually augment its year-round, nationwide golf activities, thus strengthening its development program.  

Aside from Tabuena, Lopez also thanked the Manila Southwoods, through its director Alfredo Mendoza, for lending portion of its driving range facility to be used as the school’s headquarters. Southwoods will also be the official training venue of Jungolf.

“Manila Southwoods has been a staunch supporter of jungolf and amateur players. It was the club which gave me the break to become a Jack Nicklaus certified instructor,” said Lopez, also the 1983 Asian Junior champion, the 1992 Philippine Amateur titlist and 1989 SEA Games gold medalist.

Lopez has been handling the ICTSI-The Country Club women’s golf team, headed by Dottie Ardina, Cyna Rodriguez, Jayvie Agojo, Princess Superal, Lovelyn Guioguio and Sarah Ababa plus US-based Mia Piccio. He is also the swing coach of Asian Tour campaigner and former Philippine Open winner Angelo Que and and two-time LPGA champion Jennifer Rosales.