Hope for Philippine golf
My family and I just got in from a series of junior golf tournaments in America. It was a very enjoyable trip and at the same time revealing in the sense that it showed me where our country is in terms of golf development.
In the past years the Philippines would win in one or two age groups; this year, we came home with nothing.
At this year’s Callaway Junior World Championships held in San Diego, the Thai golfers did well, as expected. It was the Chinese, however, who made it clear that they are at the threshold of becoming a power in junior golf. They won three division titles and contended in most.
The outstanding performance of Tian Lang Guan in the 11-12 boys division, shooting 18 under par and beating the field by 11 strokes, was a mind-boggling performance. (Our very own Rupert Zaragoza won the same division last year with a score of five under par on the same golf course.)
I had the opportunity of meeting this gifted child when my son Gabriel played at the Jakarta junior world golf championships last month. After his round and leading the tournament, he was the only participant on the driving range practicing. We had a conversation and he spoke perfect English; he exuded a confidence way beyond his eleven years of age.
The latter part of our US trip was very fruitful as I was able to reconnect with golf instructor Chris Walkey. He had a few sessions with my son Matthew a few years back at the PGA west stadium course in La Quinta, California. Chris also frequented the Philippines in the 90’s and teach together with Gerard Cantada.
My reunion with him was made possible by Carito Villaroman and Ramon Brobio, our very own record holders in the Junior World championships.
Mr. Walkey has agreed to become a consultant to the NGAP development program, with Brobio and Villaroman to serve as his local counterparts.
Walkey has also been instrumental in the swing changes of our top amateurs Marcel Puyat and Jobim Carlos.
Perhaps with having these men on board, with more quality tournaments throughout the year for our juniors to join and allowing them more golf courses to play in, our country may have a chance at developing our players more fully.
Some may need more instruction, some financial aid for tournament exposure and equipment, while others just need more courses to play and practice in.
What is important is that we address the athlete and help him with what he needs to bring out the best in his game.
There is no question that we have the talent. There is no question that we have the dedication and support of parents who want only the best for their children.
What we now hope to offer is some sort of direction to get the program rolling.
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