IGCC: Celebrating 100 years of golf in the Philippines
The Iloilo Golf & Country Club (IGCC), formerly known as the Sta. Barbara Golf Club, is the oldest existing golf course in the country as certified by the Federation of Golf Clubs Phils., Inc and recognized by the National Historical Institute.Founded on 1907, the Sta. Barbara Golf Club was made by the Panay Railways company for their personnel. At first, the structures were made of nipa. By 1920s, they built a more concrete and bigger wooden structures. It was in 1947 though, under the leadership of a local British trading company Strachan & McMurray Wallace MacGreggor Davies, that the Quonset Hut Clubhouse was constructed. Today, the IGCC is enjoying the distinction being the oldest inthe country and perhaps in the Southeast Asia.
Mr. Frankie Locsin, President
of Iloilo Golf & Country Club.
In relation to this, the IGCC headed by theirchairman Dr. Noel Binayas spearheaded thelaunching of the 2007 Golf Centenary in the Philippines.
The said occasion was well-attended by golf enthusiastsfromall over Panay, Negros and Manila. Amatalio "Talio" Viray, the country'soldest golfer, graced the occasion. Negros Occidental Golf & Country Club President Panyo Torre invited the IGCC members to participate in the upcoming Iloilo-Negros Occidental Friendship Matches on September 2 of this year.
"It's not just about golf. This is also about Iloilo and Ilonggo culture," says Binayas.
Also present to grace the launching were Sta. Barbara Councilor Dennis Octaviano, who will also co-host the Centenary of Sta. Barbara Club; IGCC President Frankie Locsin; Atty. Marven Daquilanea; Golf-enthusiast and Fungolf President Herminio "Minieng" Maravilla and other famous personalities.
Mr. Anatalio Viray, oldest
golfer in the country. Plays 18
holes without using golf cart.
He is in his 90's.
"I am in no doubt that the Philippines has some of the best golf courses in the world... I am delighted to support Iloilo Golf and Country Club's plan to mark the centenary of the first golf course in the Philippines," says Peter Beckingham, British Ambassador to the Philippines in a letter headdressed to IGCC.
Truly, the Sta. Barbara Golf Club is one of therationale why Iloilo isa cradle of antiquity amidst the modern and fast-paced world.
ILOILO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1907-2007)
CENTENARY TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Centenary Open Tournament
Date: January 9-10, 2007 (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Format: 36-Hole, Individual Play, Modified stableford scoring system. Classification - Class A, B, C, D & Ladies Div Current handicap
Cocktail & Centenary Launching - January 10, 2006. Awarding Night will be on January 13, 2007 jointly with the 6th Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Cup
6th Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Open
Date: January 11-13, 2007 (Thursday-Saturday)
Format: 36-Hole, Individual Play, Modified stableford scoring system. Classification Class A, B, C, D & Ladies Division Current handicap
Joint Awarding: Centenary & Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Cup - January 13, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
A toast to representatives of other golf
clubs from Negros Occidental
Celebrity Fun Cup
Date: January 26-28, 2007
Format: 36-Hole, Team Play (Celebrity & Member/Guest) Modified stableford scoring system.
Classification Class A, B, C, based on average team handicap. Mixed double allowed. Prizes & trophies for Champion & 1st Runner-up for both team & individual winners (separate individual winners for celebrity & member/guest)
Awarding: January 28, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Southern Ladies Amateur Golf Tournament
Date: February 7-10, 2007
Format: 36-Hole, Team Championships (team of five players; four to count), Medal play, NGAP sponsored.
Awarding: February 10, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Philippine Centenary Seniors Open Tournament
Date: February 21-24, 2007
Format: 36-Hole, Individual Play, Modified stableford scoring system.
Classification A, B, C. Prizes & trophies for Champion & 1st Runner-up. Current handicap Eligibale players - 55 years old and above
Awarding: February 24, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Centenary Corporate Cup
Date: March 14-18, 2007
Format: 36-Hole, Team Play Competition (Team of 4 Players), Scratch Medal Play, Class A, B, C; Team Classification will be based on average team handicap. Champion, 1st & 2nd Runner-up for each division.
Awarding: March 18, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Oskie Arenas, Tim Parker, Minieng
Maravilla and a friend.
HSBC Club Championship
Date: May 16-19, 2007 (to be confirmed)
National Team Shootout (Grand Finals) - FedGolf
Date: May 25, 2007
Format: 18-Hole; Team Play (team or four); Scramble, Prizes for Champion
Awarding: May 25, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Rotary Golf Flag Tournament
Date: November 3, 2007
Format: Flag Tournament; Class A, B, C & Ladies Champion & 1st Runner-up
Awarding: November 3, 2007 - Iloilo Golf & Country Club
(seated L-R) Edward Yee, Tibo Jardeleza,
Dir. Gerard Camiña. (Standing L-R) Edwin
Delicana, TNT's Marichel Magalona and
Chit Querubin.
10th Bamboo Tee & Centenary Thanksgiving
Date: November 14-17, 2007
Format: 36-Hole, Team Play (Member & Guest), Modified Stableford Scoring System; Class A, B, C, D & Ladies Champion & 1st Runner-up
Cocktail: November 16, 2007 - Club House
Awarding: November 17, 2007 (Venue to be announced)
Note: Other tournaments subject to be confirmed & finalized:
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Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter - Golf For A Cause
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Philippine Fil-Chinese Federation Golf Tournament
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Panay Masonic Foundation Inc. - Golf For A Cause for the benefit of the Handicapped Children
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Commissioner Open Tournament - IC Evageline Escobillo - Iloilo Non-Life Association & LUAP - Iloilo Chapter
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Philippine Centenary Ladies Open Tournament