A localized version of the annual Fil-Am Open Golf Tournament at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay might push through next month with strict compliance with the health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
The tentative period for the event is on Dec. 14 to 19, but there might be practice rounds before the tournament.
If the biggest and longest amateur golf tournament resumes this year, Baguio City will serve as a pilot area for a golf tournament, as all sports tournaments outside training bubbles are prohibited due to the pandemic.
Information reaching Baguio journalists states the IATF informed the Fil-Am Foundation to secure an endorsement from the host local government unit, which is the city government of Baguio, as its basis in acting on the request for the resumption of the Fil-Am golf tournament.
The National Golf Association of the Philippines will be the IATF’s partner in closely monitoring strict compliance with the minimum public health standards (MPHS) during the tournament.
Sources said the Fil-Am golf tournament, which usually draws more than 1,200 players from the Asia-Pacific region, will be limited to a maximum of 300 players from Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay.
The Fil-Am Foundation might require that all participants are fully vaccinated. Antigen test might also be required before tee time.
Other health protocols to be strictly complied with by tournament stakeholders could be determined by the Fil-Am Foundation in coordination with health experts.
BCC and CJH, which play host to the annual tournament, have been given high compliance rating on the imposition of the MPHS while most of their personnel are fully vaccinated and undergo regular antigen testing.
Majority of the caddies and members are fully vaccinated and must undergo triage every time they enter the clubs.
In the past decades, the Fil-Am tournament usually starts on the first week of December with the super seniors, seniors, and lower brackets of the regular division taking place in the first week followed by premier and upper brackets of the regular flights on the se-cond week. – Harley F. Palangchao
