Wazzup Pilipinas!
The schedule has been released for the 70th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, the premier amateur golf event in the Philippines and one of the longest-running international amateur golf tournaments in the world. The tournament will take place in Baguio, a Philippine destination for all kinds of seasons.
Since its inception as a tournament to celebrate friendly Filipino/American relations in 1949, the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament has drawn participants from all over the world.
It’s a unique, flighted tournament that uses a “Modified Stableford” scoring system to reward risk-taking and birdie-making. Teams of five golfers compete in one of eight possible flights depending on their age (as there are senior and super-senior flights) or handicap. There are separate prizes for team and individual champions, encouraging a great deal of camaraderies
while also emphasizing individual excellence.
The Modified Stableford scoring system awards one point for a bogey, two for a par, three for a birdie, and so on. While a bogey still records a point, the teams who record the most three-point birdies will be the ones hoisting trophies at the awards ceremony. So players are encouraged to aim at the flagstick and try to reach the tough par 5s in two.
Practice rounds for the senior, super senior, and F/G flights begin on Monday, December 1, with the tournament proper running Wednesday the 4th until Monday the 9th. On the 10th, the remaining flights begin their practice rounds, with the tournament ultimately finishing up with an awards night on Wednesday the 18th. Many players especially seniors are practicing with their golf balls to emphasize their strengths and to be ready for this tournament.
The tournament is played on two great golf courses located in the mountaintop resort, the Baguio Country Club and John Hay Golf Club. Built in 1905, Baguio Country Club is the premier private golf destination in the area. The tournament attracts a stunning number of participants, with organizers expecting over 1,300 golfers over the 18 days of tournament play.
Baguio Country Club isn’t just a championship golf course, it also boasts a luxury resort hotel with a bevy of activities offered, such as archery, bowling, swimming, skating, and a place to do some golf workouts. There’s plenty for non-golfers to do if the tournament participants choose to bring their families along. And the views and dining offered at the Baguio Country Club are both world-class.
While it’s officially an invitational tournament, interested players can apply to play by sending a letter of intent to the organizers with information about their 5-6 person teams. Individuals wishing to play can also contact the organizers and ask to be placed on the list to join teams that aren’t able to field enough players.
While it’s officially an invitational tournament, interested players can apply to play by sending a letter of intent to the organizers with information about their 5-6 person teams. Individuals wishing to play can also contact the organizers and ask to be placed on the list to join teams that aren’t able to field enough players.