By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine Golf Convention (GOLFCON) aims to bolster the country’s golf tourism as it stages this year’s edition at the Marriott Grand Ball Exhibit Floor this coming weekend.
GOLFCON, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is gathering stakeholders in the sport including operators, leaders and some of the brands from March 8 to 9.
Part of the program is a presentation of newest and innovative golf equipment which professional and amateur players would love to see as well as the world-class courses and picturesque landscapes on Philippine soil which aims to attract players across the globe.
“Obviously it’s in partnership and collaboration with the DOT, because we really want to promote, not just the brands or the sport, but the Philippines is a very, very viable destination for golf,” said event organizer Jesse Guerro in Tuesday’s PSA Forum which presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“Not just in Southeast Asia, but also from the global market of bringing people together, that’s why the theme is Golf Con 2025, ‘Let’s golf in the Philippines’,” he added.
Also expected to grace the two-day event are tour professionals and golf coaches, who are leading the free clinics and golf simulators there.
“We really want to encourage people to get to know the industry players, get to know the professionals,” Guerro said.
And for DOT, one of its missions is to continue to help the sport grow and enhance its international competency in order to attract foreign golfers, brands and investors.
“Well, as of now, that’s why our main goal now is actually promoting the properties of golf courses that we have here in the country,” said DOT’s Golf Tourism director Lyle Uy.
“It also includes partnering with golf tourism stakeholders.
That is very important. We get to a certain level wherein we can already, from end to end, accept high quality and high standards players to golf courses,” he added.
GOLFCON is also planning to bring the convention to Visayas and Mindanao regions in the future years, hoping to engage the aspiring ones to try the sport.
“Hopefully, the whole golf industry sees this and accepts this opportunity for the country. That’s the goal of DOT right now, golf tourism,” Uy continued. “Hopefully, this can be a sustainable branch in the government to help the industry.”
