The Philippine Golf Convention (GOLFCON) aims to bolster the country's golf tourism as it holds this year’s edition at the Marriott Grand Ball Exhibit Floor in Pasay City this coming weekend.

GOLFCON, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), will gather key people and industries involved in the sport including operators, stakeholders, and some of the brand leaders on March 8 and 9.

Part of the program is a presentation of newest and innovative golf equipment which professional and amateur players would love to see, and also a peek at some of the world-class courses and picturesque landscapes in the Philippines.

“Obviously it's in partnership and collaboration with the DOT, because we really want to promote, not just the brands or the sport, but the Philippines as a very viable destination for golf,” said event organizer Jesse Guerrero in Tuesday’s PSA Forum which presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

“Not just in Southeast Asia, but also from the global market of bringing people together, that's why the theme is Golf Con 2025, ‘Let's golf in the Philippines’,” he added.

Also expected to be gracing the two-day event are tour professionals and golf coaches, who are leading the free clinics and golf simulators there.

“We really want to encourage people to get to know the industry players, get to know the professionals,” Guerrero said.

For DOT, one of its missions is to continue to help the sport grow and enhance its international competency in order to attract foreign golfers, brands and investors.

“Well, as of now, that's why our main goal now is actually promoting the properties of golf courses that we have here in the country,” said DOT’s Office of Golf Tourism director Lyle Uy.

“It also includes partnering with golf tourism stakeholders. That is very important. We get to a certain level wherein we can already, from end to end, accept high quality and high standards players to golf courses,” he added.

GOLFCON is also planning to bring the conference to the Visayas and Mindanao in the future.

“Hopefully, the whole golf industry sees this and accepts this opportunity for the country. That's the goal of DOT right now, golf tourism,” Uy continued.