From exclusive fairways to inclusive pathways, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is reshaping the nation’s golf landscape through a groundbreaking grassroots program.
More than just a training initiative, the “Fairway to the Future” program, mounted in partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), is designed to unlock medal potential, democratize access, and nurture the next generation of Filipino champions.
“Golf has long been confined to private clubs and elite circles. Fairway to the Future aims to break that barrier by designating government-owned and partner courses as national training facilities,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
He emphasized that the move ensures junior golfers from diverse backgrounds—public school students, children of caddies, and out-of-school youth—can step onto fairways and receive world-class instruction.
“We are proud to introduce an inclusive grassroots golf program that is a world first—without parallel anywhere. It represents a transformative step forward, poised to redefine Philippine golf and open opportunities for every child with a dream,’’ said NGAP President Al Panlilio.
No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed the PSC to craft a groundbreaking grassroots golf program in line with the President’s 2025 State of the Nation directive to ensure support for sports.
“Sabi nila ang magaling sa golf, kailangan may kaya sa buhay. This national grassroots program of the PSC and NGAP will prove that golf is for everyone. As President Marcos himself declared in his last SONA: ‘Let the kids play’,’’ said Gregorio.
The program is designed to deliver Olympic medal potential, unlock regional talent, sustain athlete engagement, and drive socio-economic empowerment by opening golf to underserved youth.
With access to fairways for those who have traditionally been shut out, the program transforms golf into a true vehicle for opportunity and empowerment.
“Dahil sa national grassroots program natin, mapapatunayan na ang golf ay para sa batang Pinoy na may pangarap maging golf champion,” said Gregorio.
Its trailblazing nature will open the fairways of 20 participating courses nationwide to golfers aged 18 and below, with daily access from 2 p.m. until twilight. Driving range bays will likewise be available throughout the day, guided by NGAP-accredited professionals.
“It’s important to know that it’s The R&A that comes here to train the coaches. So, it’s also a professional development pathway for our pool of coaches,” said NGAP Secretary-General Bones Floro.
This multi-agency initiative will be launched on May 18 at the Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of National Defense (DND).
According to Gregorio, the program aims to ensure that aspiring junior golfers receive standardized, elite-level instruction and quality equipment regardless of their location, helping bridge the participation gap between the Philippines and its ASEAN neighbors.
“I am very grateful for all our partner agencies and golf courses. It takes a great paradigm shift to see golf as a pathway for opportunity for all. Thank you for believing with us that there is a wealth of young talent in the Philippines that deserve their shot at the world stage,’’ said Gregorio.
Among the attendees of the inter-agency gathering were Col. Ruben B. Guinolbay of the AFP; Director Lyle Fernando H. Uy of the Department of Tourism (DOT); Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth Peralta of BCDA; Mylene Magsino of Club Intramuros; John Hay Golf General Manager Buddy Resurrection and TIEZA representatives.
Joining the meeting virtually were Claire Borja of TIEZA Zamboanga; Major Cyrus Angelo Castillo of AFP Golf; Col. Rosel of Mactan Island Golf Club; and Major Rajiv Capatoy, representing Undersecretary Fabian Pedregosa of the DND.