PSC Chairman’s Cup Tees Off to Fund Free Golf for Poor Filipino Kids

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) will stage the PSC Chairman’s Cup on Oct. 9 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac to rally support for the Fairway to the Future grassroots golf program. More than 100 golfers from government agencies, private sector partners, and the media are expected to join the tournament, which begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun start and registration at 6 a.m.

PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio initiated Fairway to the Future in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen government support for grassroots sports. The program seeks to provide free golf lessons and access to training facilities for qualified underprivileged children across the country, with priority potentially given to children and dependents of caddies and club employees. “We believe golf talents can be found all over the country, and through this program, we might discover a diamond in the rough who can become a champion,” Gregorio said. The Chairman’s Cup will use a four-person scramble format, with scores converted into Molave points. The Juniors division will recognize the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up teams, while Government Partners, Private Partners, Media, and PSC–POC divisions will each award their champion and first runner-up teams. Special hole awards will also be presented.

Fairway to the Future targets golfers aged 18 and below, including children of caddies, greenskeepers, and club employees, public school students, out-of-school youth, and young players from provincial communities. It envisions community and school-based instruction, standardized coaching, regional training centers, and a structured competition pathway. Under the proposed framework, participating facilities will provide designated practice areas free of charge and waive green fees for registered juniors during prescribed hours. “We intend to expand our partnerships as we continue the program. Hopefully, more stakeholders will join us in providing opportunities for our children,” Gregorio said. The PSC and NGAP will lead the nationwide development program in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Department of National Defense. The PSC Chairman’s Cup is supported by major sponsors Smart, John Hay Golf, and Malbon Golf, and minor sponsors Asia Brewery, Pocari Sweat, Milo, Patton Studio, Bluebird Golf, and Philippine Airlines.