The supposed 71st edition of the Film-Am Invitational Golf Tournament traditionally held in Baguio might not take place towards the end of the year.
This, as the executive committee of the world’s biggest and longest amateur golf tournament is yet to release an official announcement that usually comes with details on registration of teams and players for the seniors and regular divisions.
The tournament held annually at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay attracts close to 1,400 players for the two-week Fil and Am divisions.
Even the Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19 and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) have not given any update or resolution if golf tournaments such as the Fil-Am will be allowed under the modified enhance community quarantine.
The present IATF guidelines state that non-professional golf tournaments are still not allowed during the pandemic even if golf is one of the few sports events allowed during MGCQ.
Earlier information has it that the Fil-Am executive committee initially discussed the possibility of limiting the participants to local players only, considering the restrictions in travel and other protocol requirements for players coming from outside Baguio.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Courier last week that the 71st edition of Fil-Am will most likely be held towards the end of 2021, not as soon as non-professional golf tournaments are allowed by IATF hopefully by early next year.
The annual Fil-Am tournament is one of income-generating activities in the city, as players from all over the Asia-Pacific and their families are catered by local hotels, restaurants, and other private recreational establishments during their two-week stay in the Summer Capital.
Earlier, NGAP Secretary-General Bones Floro has directed all club members, including BCC, CJH, and Pinewoods Golf & Country Club, to refrain from allowing formal golf tournaments, which are usually associated with awarding ceremonies that require gathering of players. – Harley F. Palangchao
