Club 515 has clarified that what happened a month ago at the Alabang Golf and Country Club was not a tournament but a fun golf
The club also insists that everyone followed strict health protocols.
In a letter sent to Alabang Country Club members on Friday, the club said it was a gathering to celebrate the birthdays of several of its members.
“We are all victims of Covid 19. Without this health crisis, we would not even be writing this letter,” Club 515 began its letter.
Proof that it was not a tournament, Club 515 said its members had to reserve for slots on Oct. 29 since members usually play on Saturdays.
“Since only 56 of us got slots. 20 other members had to play on August 28,” Club 515 explained.
It was named PEMCOR Cup since the owner is one of those celebrating their birthdays between April and August.
COVID-19 protocols were observed to the letter, including the wearing of masks and social distancing, Club 515 said.
The only time some Club 515 members took off their masks was due to the request of the photographer tasked with taking individual shots.
“Players had to wear back their masks immediately after the picture taking since marshals were going around the course making sure masks were on and safety protocols were observed,” Club 515 said.
“No players were cited for violations during the games.”
To maintain social distancing and avoid congregation, those who played were to pick up their individual lunch packs from the veranda and bring them home, according to Club 515.
“A virtual birthday celebration was held at 6 p.m. with no more than 10 people present in the staging area and 46 attending via Zoom,” Club 515 reported.
The event was covered by a daily newspaper and the article and photos came out last Sept. 3 and posted on its Facebook page.
Club 515 said it immediately posted a note, explaining that the photos taken without masks were done only for photo op purposes.
“The editor chose photos of people whose faces can be recognized. Who wants to be in the news article with masks on anyway?”Club 515 asked.
Club 515 said another publication picked the article, claiming some Alabang members expressed concern that safety protocols may have been breached due to improper use of masks as shown in the published article.
Club 515 reiterated that it does not need ACCI board approval for its “fun golf” because it merely played its regular round.
“Management lent a hand so that all necessary safety protocols were not violated,” the letter said.
