Unity seen in RP golf as amnesty granted

DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza yesterday took over the reins of the National Golf Association of the Philippines by acclamation even as the country’s ruling golf body opened the door for reconciliation by granting unconditional amnesty to all golf clubs it has been at odds with in the past.

They include some 24 member-clubs not in good standing or those that have not paid their dues and the eight clubs that resigned from the NGAP fold due to disagreement with its leadership and policies. The move is also expected to lure the 29 non-member clubs into the NGAP fold.

Benny Gopez, who stepped down after serving as NGAP chief for one term, made official his amnesty proposal during the NGAP’s national council meeting and biennial elections at the Villamor Golf Club.

"Let’s forgive and forget and let’s start something fresh," said Gopez, who explicitly explained the benefits the amnesty program would bring not only to the sport but to RP golf as well.

The proposal was unanimously approved by officials and representatives of the 18 clubs present in the assembly.

"This is not a personal glory but a triumph for the golfing community," added Gopez.

The amnesty is expected to end years of bitter disagreement with golf stakeholders in the country that saw elite clubs such as Wack Wack, Eagle Ridge, Orchard and Sta. Elena break away from the NGAP.

Club Intramuros’ Tony Fernando took the floor and put the amnesty proposal into a vote, which was subsequently seconded by Iloilo’s Frankie Locsin. With no one objecting, the proposal was approved, the mechanics of which will be defined when the new board convenes on March 30 at Aguinaldo.

The clubs will be given 90 days to avail themselves of the program.

For his part, Mendoza, who turned 60 last March 17, said his immediate concern is to review the NGAP programs and plans. He also welcomed the approval of the amnesty program, stressing he has been for the unification of all golf clubs all along.

Joining Mendoza in the new NGAP hierarchy are vice president Danny Pizarro of Riviera, secretary-general Jun Galindez of Alabang, treasurer Bobby Santiago of Aguinaldo and auditor Alice LL. Andrada of Iligan.

The DOTC chief also batted for one handicapping system that has been one of NGAP’s problems brought about by the withdrawal of various clubs from its fold.

For Mendoza, holding a key post in one of the government’s top agencies and a high-profile NSA (national sports association), do not pose a problem.

"I am also a chairman of 13 other boards, so another task won’t seem to matter to me. It’s just a matter of time management," said Mendoza.

Gopez said the amnesty program would be a major step in finally uniting the major stakeholders of the sport and hopefully help put in place a sound golf program.