By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
A new stage is set for local collegiate golfers when the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. (PGTI) and the Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF) join forces to launch the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour starting this month.
The groundbreaking collegiate golf series not only promises to provide a competitive platform for student-athletes across the country, but also to bridge the gap between the junior and professional level of the sport.
A total of 12 schools are participating in the first leg happening on June 16 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite, with the succeeding legs expected to be played in various courses.
Participating schools are Ateneo, De La Salle, College of St. Benilde, National University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Enderun Colleges, University of Cordillera, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, FEATI University, Lyceum and Mapua.
“This is more than a collaboration, but a union of purpose: a shared vision to elevate the sport, nurture homegrown talents and build a solid framework that integrates golf into the college academic and athletic experience,” said PGF President Arsenic Laurel during the media launch on Tuesday, June 10, at Solaire Entertainment City.
“We are creating clear pathways for Filipino collegiate golfers to grow, compete and possibly to represent our country, whether as part of the national team or on the professional stage,” he added.
PGTI General Manager Colo Ventosa echoed the sentiment, adding that the tournament “offers student-athletes a structured, competitive platform to develop their game while pursuing their education.”
“While junior and professional golf are thriving, there has been a gap at the collegiate level. This Tour bridges that,” she said.
“Our goal is simple: promote collegiate golf as an official school varsity sport. We want more schools to build golf teams and eventually bring the sport into the leagues like the UAAP and the NCAA,” she added.
