By Michelle Limpe
In case you didn’t know, the Philippines has its fair share of world-class greens and fairways for the avid golfer. With over 100 golf courses nationwide, the country has the potential to contribute and take part in the $20-billion industry.
For this reason, Resorts World Manila is partnering with Regent Travel Corp. to host the first ever Asia-Pacific Golf Challenge this coming October 21-26. A press conference was held recently at the Hilton Hotel where Regent Travel President Connie Mamaril, Travellers International Hotel Group President Jeff Evora and Resorts World Senior Director for Hotel Sales and Marketing Kathy Mercado talked about details of the event.
Coinciding with the 10th-year anniversary of Resorts World Manila, the event also aims to further support Philippine sports and sports tourism.
“Sports tourism is only natural kasi Filipinos are, actually, very world-class. We’re so talented. Filipinos are very into the performing arts and also into sports. One of the things that I was really proud of when we were organizing the Resorts World Manila Masters is it was a cynch for us to champion the Filipino, and in that same regard, APGC brings us a platform to champion Filipinos.”
The Asia-Pacific Golf Challenge (APGC) will take amateur golfers around four rounds of golf at four of the nation’s finest golf courses: Manila Golf and Country Club, Sherwood Hills Golf Club, Wack Wack Golf Club and Orchard Golf and Country Club. The challenge is open to all international amateur golfers, aged 35-70, with 30 percent participation allocated to local participants provided they stay at Resorts World Manila. The competition will take place in two formats—Team Competition and Single Competition— in order to accommodate the skills of various golfers. Though the team competition consists of teams of four, both competitions invite players to participate in a 72-hole Stableford course with four different categories based on handicap certifications.
When asked why the organizers chose golf, in particular, as the starting point to promote the country’s sports tourism, Evora expounds: “There are so many nice courses here in the Philippines, especially in Manila. But unfortunately, for tourists, from stock of mind as far as golf is concerned, what do they think about in Asia? Thailand, right?”
In order to introduce the Philippines globally as a viable option for golf. Resorts World Manila is organizing the event because of its location, which is near many golf courses, as well as its many amenities and facilities to provide for players’ needs. In this manner, “people won’t have to think about anything else except to show up and play,” Evora added.
In partnership with Resorts World Manila, participants are welcome to partake in various golf tournament packages offered by the different hotels under RWM. In association with Philippine Airlines, one of the event’s major sponsors, these packages include hotel accommodations, nightlife and entertainment as well as transportation for the guests. Non-golfer packages are also available to those who simply want to watch the event.
As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Resorts World Manila is also offering its Grand Staycation Package and Grand Food Trip Package. Both packages allow guests to experience the luxurious amenities and delicacies from all seven of RWM’s hotels at a “sulit” (worth it) price. In addition, RWM invites guests to participate in its “Run With Me X” charity event to raise funds for five different organizations.
Open to all amateur players, the Asia-Pacific Golf Challenge, more than a professional contest, promises to be a fun event aimed at promoting the potentials of golf tourism to the general public.
For more information on Resorts World Manila events and packages, visit www.rwmanila.com.
