El Presidente Cup returns, raises funds for rising Pinoy golfer

Sports

THE second edition of the El Presidente Cup: The Ramon Fernandez Charity Golf Tournament is expected to be bigger and grander as it is set for a major return on June 13 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.

The first edition of the tournament was held two years ago at the Liloan Golf & Leisure Estates in Liloan town, northern Cebu.

Filipino basketball legend and former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Comissioner Ramon Fernandez said they are bringing the tournament to Manila to answer a huge clamor.

“We decided this time to hold it in Manila because in my 20 years of stay in Manila, I’ve gained a lot of friends there and several of them are golfers. They requested to hold the tournament there but we can always go back to Cebu,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez said the holding of the second edition of the tournament is inspired by a noble purpose of raising funds for David Charles Serdeña, a 16-year-old David Charles Serdeña Filipino golfer, who is starting to make a ame himself in the United States.

Serdeña, a son of a caddy, is known in the golfing community as “Commute Golfer” for taking public buses when joining tournaments.

Fernandez met Serdeña in the US last year.

“This young golfer flew to California to play in the World Juniors. He’s known as the ‘Commute Boy’ because of where he comes from, but he has great potential.”

Through the Ramon S. Fernandez Sports and Youth Development Foundation, Fernandez will provide Serdeña with a one-year financial allowance to help support his career.

“He’ll be our first official beneficiary. It’s perfect timing — the tournament is on June 13, and he flies to the U.S. for more tournaments on the 18th,” Fernandez said.

“Originally, I planned to give him a monthly P10,000 stipend, just like we did at the PSC. But instead, I’m giving him a full year’s worth upfront.”

Fernandez’s wife, Karla, said it is going to be a fun-filled day of golf, camaraderie, and entertainment. Hole-in-one prizes include a Mitsubishi Mirage, a Jetour Ice Cream electric car, P100,000 in cash, and other exciting giveaways.

To showcase amateur golf players, the tournament will follow a 36-hole shotgun start format, featuring men’s and women’s divisions.

Karla announced that among the prominent figures who will be seeing action in the tournament are Dingdong Avanzado, Ronnie Henares, Richard Yap, Michael V., Boboy Garovillo, Chad Borja, Alex Santos, Anthony Suntay, Atoy Co, Tonichi Yturri, and PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.

“Senator Bong Go will be joining in the fellowship and awarding ceremonies,” said Karla.(CCM)