Largest golf tourney helps Yolanda victims in Visayas

By Redjie Cawis

BAGUIO CITY -- This mountain resort is again hosting the largest amateur golf tournament this time not just to draw tourists in the city but as a benefit event for Typhoon Yolanda victims.

Last week, despite a somber atmosphere  for a country recently hard hit by what could be the strongest typhoon in years, the 64th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament officially started with the ceremonial tee off   in   two playing venues at Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club courses.

More than 1,200 players from all over the country , the Asia-Pacific and mainland United States are back in action for more than two weeks of golf and fellowship  from which at  least P1 million will be given in relief to typhoon ravaged Visayas.

According to Fil-Am executive committee chair Shin Paul Chan, P1 million is pledged for victims of the typhoon that struck Visayas particularly Leyte and Samar last November 8.

"The Fil-Am Foundation has pledged to donate P500, 000 and the players are matching it with another P500,000," said the Chan who is also the Baguio Country Club resident manager.

Organizers also   said that this year, the festive mood of the Fil-Am is  lessened  in  view of  the tragedy  caused  by  typhoon Yolanda which hit the Visayas leaving in its wake more than 4,000 dead and devastations that could cost the government at least P250 billion in reconstruction efforts.