Golfers from the grassroots level, in particular high school from the provinces, can now further develop their skills to have a chance at an athletic scholarship from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila.

Answering the call on the government’s sports agency’s program for young Filipino golfers, the Junior Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) has launched its college division on Saturday, June 6 at Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City — to go with its current categories of elementary and high school.

The move comes after the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) launched a joint project backed by the JGFP — called “Fairways to the Future” intended to support young golfers improve on their respective games until they reach their full potential.

With the JGFP adding a college level to its calendar, players now have an opportunity to study and at the same time maintain their game at a high level competing for various schools now that UAAP and the NCAA have included golf to the list of their respective sports disciplines this year.

“It’s a great move. Indeed it’s the “Fairways to the Future” and I am happy to see that stakeholders don’t only appreciate the initiative we (PSC and NGAP) have done, they even make it better,” said PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio.

NGAP’s newly-elected president Al Panlilio shares the same sentiment, knowing that by expanding the JGFP program will be a “significant step that strengthens the development pathway” for young Filipino golfers.

“It provides additional opportunities for those aspiring to earn placements and scholarships in UAAP and NCAA member schools. The JGFP is helping create a more seamless transition from junior golf to higher education, while encouraging talented young players — particularly those from the provinces — to pursue their academic and athletic goals,” said Panlilio.

“This initiative will help increase exposure for promising golfers and provide them with greater access to colleges and universities that offer competitive golf programs”

“We commend the JGFP for its continued commitment to developing young talent and for creating more opportunities for Filipino golfers to excel both in the classroom and on the golf course,” added Panlilio.

Most young golfers dream of playing college golf in the US NCAA, similar to current Duke University star Rianne Malixi, a product of the JGFP. But if that is not on the table when that time comes these players enter college, the UAAP and the NCAA are options.

JGFP president Oliver Gan, for his part, said that aside from the possibility of high school golfers earning scholarships in the future, it’s their way of providing access to college golfers wanting to improve their skills.

“The idea is actually, we’d want them to give more chances of playing so they can improve their game. So by the time they play in the UAAP and the NCAA, we see them compete at a high level,” said Gan, himself a former standout junior golfer who had access during his younger years playing in both high school and college competitions.

After the event in Malarayat Golf and Country Club, where some 70 players participated in the inaugural tournament, the JGFP will schedule more events for college players 25 years.

In the inaugural college tournament, John Rey Oro of University of Perpetual Help topped the boys category while Jianna Sophia Ysabelle

Baquiran of University of Santo Tomas ruled the girls division.

Oro posted an even par 72 as he edged by four strokes Arvin Christian Ong of De La Salle University 1 (76), while John Gabriel Canlas of DLSU 2 (80) was eight shots behind the leader.

Baquiran, on the other hand, shot a 104, besting her teammate Marian Ziga So and Rane Victoria Cabling of Mapua, who both carded a 108.