NGAP schedules elections

The National Golf Association of the Philippines has set its annual general council meeting and elections on 5 April to either extend for another term incumbent president Martin Lorenzo or put a new leader to the dynamic governing body amid the rapid re-growth of the sport.

Lorenzo is expected to run for another term and he will most likely face a challenger from among the diverse, energetic golf stakeholders in the country. Already, names are being floated as possible candidates, including Junior Golf Association of the Philippines “godfather” and congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo.

But his camp refused to either confirm or deny such report.

Philippine golf is enjoying an abundance of new wave of players picking up the sport from both the youth and women sectors post-pandemic.

It is brought about by the success of Filipino players abroad like LPGA star Bianca Pagdanganan, young hotshot Rianne Malixi and Asian Tour Order of Merit runner-up Miguel Tabuena.

But it has its share of issues as well like the recent change in handicapping system provider. NGAP has shifted to a much more modern and “cheaper” provider after breaking ties with a local firm after 10 years. Venue of the elections will be announced at a later date. “Per bylaws, said meeting is supposed to be on the last Friday of March but for this year that falls on a national holiday,” said the NGAP statement.

“The Board has also confirmed the appointments of the NOMELEC by the President to complete the committee.”

They are Atty. Avelino Sumagui ( Luisita Golf Club ) as chairman; Atty. Marcus Andaya (Valley Golf Club); Raymond Bunquin (Forest Hills Golf Club); Norbert Chico (Splendido Taal Golf Club); and Jose Gerard Asuncion (Eastridge Golf Club) as members.

Under the Lorenzo administration, NGAP brought back the APGC Junior Championships and the Nomura Cup and helped with the hosting of the Queen Sirikit Cup which Manila Southwoods hosted. “The success of these events were the fruits of our collaboration with external and internal partners which are so crucial in moving forward with our goals,” Lorenzo said.

But it has yet to revive its gem which is the Philippine Open which was mothballed due to pandemic.