Blogs

Being the designated handicap "expert" of the club, I am asked on different occasions how handicapping works and how it affects their scores. After all these years dealing with such seemingly innocuous questions I have decided to create blog specific on the subject matter. I can safely say that a good majority of golfers still have no inkling of how golf handicapping works (not that it's their fault) and how the default handicapping authoriity in the U.S., the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN), came up with the formula to calculate one's golf handicap.

Driving 118 miles each way is not a fun ride for Jerry Pabalan and it is certainly not a welcome thought for an average golfer. But Pabalan is no average golfer. In my opinion, he has the physical skill that puts him ahead of the pack and the mental toughness that can give seasoned texas holdem players a run for their money. Also, Jerry has the drive to continually improve his craft. His regimen of golf practices includes a company-paid round per week - get this - on company time. Is that every golfer's dream job or what?

I received an email from a golf buddy stating that some golfers don't really know how to mark their balls on the putting green. A good majority of golfers put their markers directly behind the ball and a few others in front of it. Some others simply toss their quarters and where it lands near the ball is where it stays. Okay I exaggerated a little bit on the last group. But how exactly do you mark your ball on the putting green? A quick and easy answer is - any way you want it.

It's official, folks. Spring is here! And you know what that means? Time to crank up those squeeky little joints and hit the local driving range. That's right, Tiger-wannabes. Winter blues are over and all the daydreaming of hitting the lush green fairways and self-pity are a thing of the past - at least temporarily.

Ever been hit by an errant golf ball? What are the odds? 10,000 to 1? A million to 1? Will never happen to me?

Guess what? It happened to me while on a practice round at the FilAm tournament in Baguio last December. It was on the 157-yard par-3 11th hole at Camp John Hay on the day before the tournament day when a team mate shanked his tee-shot off to the down-sloping, pine tree-laden rough on the right-hand side of the fairway.

Sometimes I wonder what if: I am not a golfer, what will I be...it must be boring: Imagine you worked so hard and at the end of the day you are glued in watching all the TV commercials,thinking of what to do. I stopped playing tennis due to old and cranky knees,I don't bowl,then what? Eureka I discover golf!!!!!!

The FilAm tournament in Baguio, in my mind, is the golfing gods' gift to the passionate Filipino golfers around the world who love their game and their sanity. It is a delightful week of golf, golf and more golf, not to mention the princely galore of food and non-stop entertainment, and the socializing and networking that happens during and after every round. And the night life - don't even get me started on that one!

Feeling rejuvenated after spending two weeks of my ascetic adult life back home in the good, ol' Philippines, I decided it is time that FAGA get a complete makeover of its website. After all, the old one seemed 'ancient' and so-five-years-old that it is completely out of touch with the new technologies, especially in the content management (CMS) department.

I got this email from Mr. Joe Barreno back in 2004 after he participated in the 2004 edition of the FilAm tournament in Baguio City:

Dear Ian and Bong,

I have to congratulate you for keeping Baguio Tournament an on-going program. On behalf of all the players of the Fil-Am teams we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for having the opportunity of participating in the Baguio Tournament.