Resorts World, Asian Tour ink five-year deal

MANILA, Philippines - Resorts World Manila has signed a landmark five-year agreement with the Asian Tour, starting with the rich Resorts World Manila Masters in November at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.

The $750,000 event, set Nov. 14-17, will be beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, boosting not only Philippine golf but also the country’s tourism.

“We are truly privileged to announce a momentous five-year agreement with the Asian Tour to host the Resorts World Manila Masters at the Manila Southwoods,” said Resorts World Manila COO Steve Reilly during yesterday’s launch of the blue-ribbon event.

Two of the country’s leading pros – Angelo Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, and teener Miguel Tabuena, winner of three championships on the local circuit – graced the event which marks the first sponsorship foray by Resorts World Manila on the region’s premier golf tour.

“It is our privilege to host a truly world-class golf championship in the Philippines that will showcase the professional game at the highest level in the country,” said Reilly. “Through the extensive television exposure, the Resorts World Manila Masters will undoubtedly promote the sports and tourism sectors of the Philippines.”

The long-term partnership between Resorts World Manila, the only one-stop, nonstop tourism and entertainment destination in the country, and the Asian Tour, which is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region, is a massive boost for the development of Phl golf and as well as across Asia.

To underscore its commitment to Phl golf, Resorts World Manila said it is also supporting the development of junior golf and sports in the Philippines.

Members of the Camp Aguinaldo junior golf team were also present in yesterday’s press launch.

The team, led by head coach and former Asian Tour member Carito Villaroman, won five gold medals in the recent True Vision International Golf Championship.

“We recognize the need for Resorts World Manila to fully support junior golf programs in our country. With golf returning to the Olympics in three years’ time, we hope to play a role in ensuring that the Philippines will be represented in golf,” said Reilly.