For the first time in eight years, the National Golf Association of the Philippines will increase its handicapping system fees—not to generate more income, but to ensure that every golfer in the country becomes a stakeholder.
The additional funds will help finance the national team, support the hosting of world-class tournaments, and strengthen the organization’s other key programs.
The NGAP Board of Trustees recently approved the increase through a resolution, setting the new fee at P100 per month beginning this month.
While the new rate marks a significant increase from the previous annual fee of P500, newly elected NGAP president Al Panlilio assured stakeholders that all collections will be directed toward the organization’s initiatives, particularly the development of the Philippine national teams and the staging of elite tournaments.
The new leadership is also encouraging golfers to maximize the NGAP mobile app, which will undergo continuous improvements with stakeholder support.
As the country’s governing body for golf, NGAP aims to modernize its services and better serve golfers nationwide.
Panlilio, the former Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president, and his board have immediately gone to work by appointing leaders to key committees. Among them is Miko Alejandro, who has been tasked with overseeing the composition of the national teams and ensuring they are properly prepared for major international competitions.
“We are answerable to the golfing community whenever our national team performs,” Panlilio said.
“So we are going to make sure–with the help of every golfer in the country–that they are equipped well and prepped in the best way to represent our country.”
Teaching and coaching will also receive a boost under the new administration, with NGAP planning to help fund training courses aimed at improving the skills and techniques of golf instructors. At the same time, the organization will continue integrating technology into the local golf landscape, allowing golfers without club affiliations to obtain legitimate handicaps.
“Your NGAP is committed to aligning Philippine golf with global standards,” Panlilio wrote in his letter to the Philippine golfing community.
“At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to grow the game of golf in the Philippines.”
