15/10/2023
SIX NATIONAL BETS OFF TO BANGKOK FOR THAILAND AMATEUR OPEN
The National Golf Association of the Philippines is sending six amateur aces as part of its talent development program in preparation for more high-caliber international and local competitions in the coming months.
Leaving for Bangkok, Thailand today for the Singha Thailand Amateur Open are Aidric Chan, Shinichi Suzuki, Perry Bucay, Bobe Salahog, Ally Gaccion and Anya Cedo as the six official Philippine representatives in the tourney that will be held at the Panya Indra Golf Club starting Tuesday.
Accompanying the contingent is national coach Boyet Zaragosa.
Chan is fresh from winning the Elite Men's Division of the MVPSF Valley Open at the Valley Golf and Country Club where he beat Suzuki by three strokes.
The Pueblo de Oro-based Gaccion is taking a crack at another international title months after becoming just the second Filipino to win her age-group at the prestigious Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in Vietnam.
"The NGAP is committed to provide our top amateur standouts the international exposure they need to keep them competitive against the rest of the region. We will make our presence felt in the major events in Asia, and possibly the world," said Bones Floro, secretary general of the NGAP.
This year, the NGAP was able to stage the Nomura Cup and collaborated with the Women's Golf Association of the Philippines for the holding of the Queen Sirikit at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club as well as the 2023 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championships at the Orchard Golf & Country Club.
The return of the Philippine Open, Asia's oldest national open for pros, is also in the works.
Chan, a former Junior World age-group champion, is completing his national team tour of duty as he has already signified his intention to turn pro next year. He has so far suited up for the national team at least eight times.
Also later this month, the NGAP will be sending Rianne Malixi, Grace Quintanilla and Junia Gabasa to Dubai for the World Women's Amateur Team Championship.
PHOTO: From left, Shinichi Suzuki, Aidric Chan, Perry Bucay, Bobe Salahog, Ally Gaccion, Anya Cedo and coach Boyet Zaragosa.