Coach Suntay wants to see Pinay golfer as World No.1

BY JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

Suntay laments the lack of solid grassroots sports development program in the country, adding that some of her students came from other sports like baseball. “It’s up to their parents to sustain the development of their children should they opt to seriously pursue sports,” she said.

The veteran coach describes golf as a great teacher of discipline and humility.

“It is both a mental and physical game and you are basically playing against the course, not against anybody, one day your game is good, the next day it’s not,” she said, adding that she also treasures the camaraderie that teaching and playing golf brings.

As a coach, Suntay said that it’s important for her that a student retains his or her individuality and independence.

“I don’t talk to them while they’re playing. Once they are playing, I expect that they know what they’re doing already. They should be on their own. I don’t want them to always expect that somebody will help them. It should not be like that. Once you’re playing, you should be already properly trained,” Suntay said.

Though she named her being Ladies Club champion for three consecutive years ( 1989 to 1991) as her most memorable victories, Suntay said she is not really interested in winning.

“I won those tournaments because I was dared. But I don’t have

Cora Suntay (right) receives the trophy during the 38th Queen Sirikit Cup at the Ora Country Club in Jeju Island, Korea last year. anything to prove to myself.”

She said that her dream is to see a Filipina become the No.1 player in the world.

“We can do it. We have the potential to become No. 1 in the world if we train adequately enough,” she concluded.