March 29, 2024

It’s all systems go for the 71st Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament in Baguio City on Dec. 14 to 17, which is a benchmarking event for the return of amateur golf tournament in the country.

The Fil-Am golf executive committee has reiterated that strict compliance with the minimum public health standards will be properly monitored when the players see action at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay fairways.

There will be 40 teams in the regular division, which will be bracketed into four flights from championship to class A, B, and C in both Fil and Am divisions.

The seniors division, which has 16 teams will be bracketed to two flights from championship to class A, also both in Fil and Am divisions.

The traditional two-week tournament has been shortened to four days and players will be subjected to antigen testing on  three occasions. All players and caddies must be fully vaccinated.

The Fil-Am execom has prioritized teams based in Baguio City and Benguet while it also considered history of participation in inviting teams to be part of this year’s tournament.

Close to 30 teams from the localities were initially listed in the regular and seniors division.

Manila Southwoods and Luisita will headline the premier flights in the regular Fil and Am division with Forest Hills and Srixzon as other top contenders for the titles.

The Fil-Am golf tournament is the longest and biggest amateur golf tournament in the past seven decades. It was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – Harley F. Palangchao