By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) has thrown its full support behind the proposal to include golf in the calendar of events of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in the future in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the UAAP.
In a statement, the country’s governing body for the sport described the initiative as “a significant step forward in expanding opportunities for Filipino student-athletes and further strengthening the local development pipeline for golf – from grassroots participation to elite competition and international representation.”
NGAP secretary general Bones Floro and executive director Myka Romulo recently paid a visit to PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, turning what began as a courtesy call into a productive strategic discussion.
“At present, many elite junior golfers pursue development through US collegiate systems. It is time we create equivalent opportunities within the Philippines,” the statement read.
The NGAP also expressed gratitude to Gregorio for initiating the dialogue and emphasized its commitment to work closely with the PSC and the UAAP in making this vision a reality.
“With golf gaining remarkable traction in recent years — especially in the wake of the pandemic — we must seize this opportunity to formalize competitive local structures that nurture our homegrown talent,” the NGAP added.
The association aims to ensure that “the next generation of Filipino golfers has every opportunity to thrive, compete, and succeed through prestigious local platforms.”
Filipino golfers have been making their mark on the international stage with Bianca Pagdanganan nearly securing an Olympic medal when she finished in joint fourth place in the 2024 Paris Games.
