Dakak Chairman’s Cup set Nov. 24

MANILA, Philippines — With the near completion of the Dakak Golf Club, set is the Chairman’s Cup on Nov. 24, coinciding with the inauguration of the one-of-a-kind course in the world famous Dakak complex, 20 minutes away from the Dipolog Airport.

A crack field is expected in the tourney held in honor of former Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, whose vision started the project.

The Dakak Golf Club Monthly Medal tournament has actually started in July, with the second edition played on Aug. 18 since the front nine has been in play in the last three years. The champion in each tournament receives free entry into the Chairman’s Cup. 

Started five years ago, the Greg Norman-designed layout has one of the most unique features: seven holes on the front nine facing the Sulu sea. 

“Construction process on our ‘Ocean 9’ is now reduced to shaping and grass turfing on three fairways with cart path development and landscaping on-going and scheduled to be mostly completed by the end of September,” said Dakak Golf president Rick Gibson. “The Habagat seasonal winds have brought welcome rain showers to assist the grow-in of our newly planted tees, fairways and greens, and a newly adjusted maintenance program has greatly improved the condition and playability of the greens on our now in play ‘Hillside 9.’”

Modifications were made along the way to maximize the topography of the area. Paths and natural bridges to connect islets for more challenging greens were created. Grass for the fairways was grown nearby. Training for employed locals was upgraded.

“The transition of our umbrella girls into fully trained caddies is on-going, with the additional benefit of many of our young ladies becoming respectable golfers as well,” said Gibson, a former Asian Tour champion. “Competition on-course among the staff is becoming fierce, while revealing talents otherwise hidden before the introduction of golf at Dakak only a few short years ago.”

Dakak Golf Academy design has been completed by John Cope of Cope Design Group, and the site is merely awaiting further fill materials before shaping, drainage, irrigation and grassing are completed before the end of 2019.