PGA Members in Town for Familiarization Tour
May 6, 2009
US-based Professional Golf Association (PGA) members (L-R) Mike Robanson, Diedric Holmes, Joe Fernandez, Ratzi Aiello, JJ West, Lauren Yuson, Ken Yuson, and Ron Rojas joined by Gina Francisco (rightmost) of the Department of Tourism (DOT), JR Calanoc (kneeling) of US-based Activentures, and the lady caddies at the Orchard Golf & Country Club during their Philippine Golf Familiarization Tour
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Members of the world’s largest and most respected working sports association, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America, toured key cities and played at prime golf destinations during their recent week-long Philippine Golf Familiarization tour.
Hosted by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), Rajah Tours and US-based Activentures, the PGA members toured Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Cebu. They played in some of the country’s world-class and PGA masters-designed golf courses like the Orchard Golf and Country Club, Riviera Golf Club, Manila Southwoods, Eagleridge and Cebu’s Alta Vista Golf Club.
According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the familiarization or “fam” tour is in line with the efforts of the Tourism department to position the Philippines as a premier golf holiday destination for North Americans.
“Together with diving, adventure, health and wellness, and medical tourism, golf is one of the niche activities that we have identified as having great potential with various tourist groups including Fil-Ams,” said Durano.
“After all, we have world-class golf courses here that are comparable, if not better, than those in most expensive destinations. And on top of golf, there are much more to see and appreciate as we have fantastic nature and tourism facilities to complete the package,” the Secretary added.
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