MANOTOC
THE NATIONAL Golf Association of the Philippines is cashing in on its aggressive development program.
With a multitude of tournaments under their belt since taking over two years ago, NGAP president Tommy Manotoc and the federation’s other officers got a huge gift from no less than the Royal & Ancient (R&A), the sport’s world governing body.
The R&A has pledged a £20,000 (about P1.5 million) annual donation to the NGAP for the next three years, marking the first time that the esteemed association in Scotland is helping Philippine golf directly.
Dominique Wall came to the country earlier in the year to see for himself the NGAP programs.
Duncan Weir later approved the grant and informed Manotoc and his officers about it.
Tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, among the first to support the NGAP through the MVP Sports Foundation, agreed to sponsor every event this year through the PLDT Group Amateur Golf Tour.
“It just warms the heart to see how our efforts are being noticed,” Manotoc said. “The players are the prime beneficiaries of all the help that is coming. And for our part, we will perform—starting with the Putra Cup.”
The Putra Cup is Southeast Asia’s official team golf championship, and the Philippine Sports Commission, through chair Richie Garcia, was one of those who backed the NGAP’s Manotoc’s recruitment plan to fill up spots in the national squads with Fil-Ams.