BAGUIO CITY – It’s all systems go for the 70th edition of the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, which Camp John Hay and the Baguio Country Club golf courses will host starting Dec. 1.
“It’s a go,” said co-chair Tim Allen of Camp John Hay and Anthony de Leon of Baguio Country club as they welcomed players to the events as early this week.
The three-day practice rounds start Sunday which will culminate with the captain’s meeting where team leaders finalize their line up in the five to play four to count tournament that uses the Modified PAL format.
The Fil-Am this year is threatened by rains thanks to typhoon “Kammuri” which is barreling its way to Luzon and will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Sunday and December 3 and 4 as the critical days when it unleashes its full wrath.
Hardest hit will be Bicol Region, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, and Samar Island but rains are expected up north with the tail-end of the cold front meeting, that may cause frequent heavy rains.
Organizers are still optimistic that good weather will prevail during the first six days of tournament from December 4 to 9.
Only once in the past 15 years has a game been suspended due to bad weather.
The super senior (70 years and above) was started last year in preparation for this year’s 70th edition of the biggest amateur golf tournament in the world.
Former Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan is the defending over-all super senior individual champion and his Camp John Hay team is poised to defend its crown, the first for the super seniors which were started last year for players 70 years old and above.
The super senior’s division was first played last year in preparation for this.
Also to be played the first week are the senior’s division that is for 55 years year old and up and the lower flights of the regular division.
Despite qualifying for the super seniors, 70-year-old Fred Puckett, the anchor of CJH’s senior team that has won three consecutive crowns, is expected to remain with the senior’s team of the co-host.
On December 10, it will be the start of the three-day practice rounds of the regular divisions.
Games will begin on December 14 and will be played until the 18th.
Manila Southwoods is defending both the premiere Fil and Am Championships of the regular division. (PNA)
