Minda regional golf set next week at Apo

SOME 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.

Also on tap is the mid-amateur division, where male players 30 years or older 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 first champion of the centerpiece men’s event, winning it last year when Del Monte in his home province of Bukidnon hosted the event. He turned pro at the start of this year.

Play in the first two days of qualifying in all divisions will be stroke before shifting to match in the last three days.

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

Listing is still being accepted. For inquiries, call the host club at 082-2972090 or at NGAP office at 706-5926 or 517-9778.

Slots are limited only to the first 50 men with handicap index of 5.0 and below and to the first 20 women with handicaps of 9.8 or better.