Mayor backs free golf course access for underprivileged kids
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has expressed support to the initiative of Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Patrick Gregorio to allow youth, even those from low income families, free access to government-controlled and supervised golf courses.
Under Gregorio’s proposal which reportedly is currently being studied by MalacaΓ±ang, government-owned and government-supervised golf courses would be opened free of charge to boys and girls 15 years old and below, daily from 12 noon onward.
Magalong agreed with Gregorio that the initiative is expected to foster a dramatic shift for the sport which at present is inaccessible to low income groups due to the high cost it commands.
“I agree with our PSC chairman that for golf to fully grow in the country, we need to allow more youth exposure to the sport. By doing so, we can bring the sport to the grassroots, train children and hone their skills. In the process we may discover prodigies but more importantly, we can get more children into sports,” the mayor said.
He expressed appreciation to the management of Camp John Hay for agreeing to open the golf course as proposed.
He said this is laudable considering the expected objection from military-run golf courses in Metro Manila amid the possibilities of reduced income, heavier course traffic and limited playing time for soldiers and older regulars who rely on the few public courses available.
The proposal is now with the Office of the President and the mayor said he hopes that it will be given due course given its noble intention. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
