Fil-Taga, SGA join hands for junior golfers

The Fil-Taga and Saipan golf associations joined hands over the weekend, taking part in a Ryder Cup-like tournament with the goal of helping raise funds for the Junior Golfers League.

According to co-organizer and Fil-Taga president Ted Malaran, a total of 24 players from the SGA went up against 24 Fil-Taga players in the goodwill tourney Sunday at the Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort west course, with SGA pulling enough strings to win by four points. SGA actually had 30 players show up for play, however, organizers were not able to be pair the extra six with Fil-Taga players.

The extra players still played their round, however, their scores were not included in the official scorecard.

Detailed scoring was not available as of press time, however, Malaran emphasized that players weren’t too concerned about scores as their efforts were leaned towards assisting youth golfers.

“Our goal right now is to send our best junior players to next year’s annual world competition held in the U.S.,” Malaran said. “The Junior Golf League is now hiring a Filipino professional under the leadership of former judge Ed Manibusan. To maintain the good clinics for the junior players, we’ll have to raise funds through our tournaments and donate the proceeds to the JGL.”

The two-day tournament concludes this Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Kingfisher Golf Links, with tee time set for 10:30am. An awards banquet will be held later that evening from 6pm to 11:30pm at the Aqua Resort Club’s Rey Lounge. Raffle prizes will also be given away during the banquet.

Meanwhile, Manibusan, who also co-coordinated the event, echoed similar thoughts before the start of the tournament, which also promotes friendship among players from both associations.

“I think this is going to be a wonderful tournament, not only because we’re raising funds for the Junior Golf League, but because we have Fil-Taga with us and we’re happy to have them with us in this fundraising event,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve had something like this and this is historical.”

Manibusan disclosed that a perpetual trophy will be awarded at the conclusion of the tournament, and is hopeful that the friendly competition will be held annually.

“We’re going to try to do it every year, and as years go by, we’re going to make it a little bigger and nicer,” he said.

Malaran also explained that one of the goals is to assist the youth develop and excel in the sport.

“Our goal was to have the junior golfers to excel in the game, so as it progressed, we thought of this Ryder Cup type of tournament and that’s why we invited SGA in order to raise more funds for the junior golf,” he said.

The two associations also welcome any contribution from businesses or individuals interested in assisting with the fundraising.

“All this [goals] also depends on the generosity of businesses and individuals who contribute to this fundraising event and we encourage them to help us with our fundraising efforts that will benefit our children,” Manibusan said.

Malaran also encouraged other associations to assist with the fundraising for the junior players.

“At the same time, the adult players are enjoying the game,” he said. “If there is another way of raising funds for the Junior Golf League, then we will do it. If all of the golf clubs on Saipan would join together for this project, then I am sure that we will be able to send more than one junior player by next year and thereafter.”

Golfers began rounding up at the venue as early as 10am and began play a little before noon.