Whether on the course or on the go, golfers all over the world have depended upon the stylish, durable quality of Callaway products to help them reach the top of their game. Callaway continues that tradition of excellence through their functional, fashionable eyewear collections and their Callaway Sunwear line, which features the performance-enhancing NEOX™ Transitions® SOLFX™ lenses. With a clean, modern look and the benefits of adaptive shading and visual enhancement, this collection is a natural choice for both professional and casual wear, on and off the course. Callaway Sunwear is exclusively distributed by EO-Executive Optical in the Philippines.

NEOX™  lenses are engineered to adjust to the decreased depth of field caused by most sunglasses. The color of the NEOX™ lens enhances vision by blocking the blue light rays. (Blue light rays scatter when they pass through the optical components of the eye causing blur.) The result is the sharpest and most accurate vision you can get for your game. So you’ll see the angles and lines with greater sharpness and accuracy than you will with any other non-prescription pair of sunglasses. NEOX™  lenses provide 100 percent protection from the harmful effects of UVA/UVB radiation.

Going further, NEOX™ Transitions®  SOLFX™ lenses starts with an initial tint, not clear, that enhances visual performance by changing and optimizing their degree of tint darkness and color with the sun. The lens precisely balances light transmission and enhances visual contrast and depth perception for ultimate outdoor vision, which is perfect not just for golf but for all outdoor activites.

To find out more about Callaway Sunwear, visit selected EO-Executive Optical branches nationwide.

Every now and then, there’s this golf club that seems to have everything that a golfer needs. It may be something as simple as getting into a challenge. Or maybe its the perfect harmony of nature accentuating every stroke a golfer makes in a game. Whatever the reason is, you can find all these in the Riviera Golf & Country Club.

Nestled within a prime spot in Silang, Cavite, the Riviera Golf & Country Club features two twin – yet very distinct – all-weather, Master Champions designed courses. Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer have showed how diverse their layouts are, with each both having a balance of style and need of playing skill.
What does stand out when one first visits this place is how so much like a tropical resort the place is. Looks can be deceiving though – an up-close look at the greens will show that golf is taken as serious business here. And in maintaining the use of crafted Bermuda grass and cared-off tif dwarf greens, the entire golf club takes pride in its drainage and irrigation systems.

To note as well, the Riviera Golf & Country Club is famously known for the challenge it brings. The Philippine Open was once held in the Langer Course, where legend Frankie Minoza showcased his skills and talents. Players hoping to hone their skills can be sure to come back for more, just to conquer both the Couples and Langer courses.

Couples Course

If you are longing for a cool and serene weekend playing golf, then The Couples sure is the best course to play at. You will be greeted with tall coconut palm and delightful mango trees– making you think as if you’re in a tropical resort. But, be not deceived by the beauty that The Couples has, for it is filled with traps and OB lurking around.

Hole 4
Don’t be fooled by the fourth hole. Although it may look straightforward, this 457-yard hole has a grassy rough depression that cuts the fairway, turning it into a hazard that can ruin your seemingly perfect approach shot.

Hole 5
Five is by far the hardest hole on the course. The fairway leading to the hole becomes more narrow as a water hazard runs across the fifth and the fourth fairway. You can find the green 15 feet above the fairway, that’s why, see to it that you can make a good swing and that you have plenty of club with you.

Hole 9
Nine also has its own share of difficulties. This 427-yard par 4 hole may be shorter but it needs to be played against strong winds, thus, making it somewhat longer.

Hole 11
Concentration is the key to be able to play eleven well. At par 5, this hole will require you to force carry a tee shot of about 200 yards to reach a strip of fairway 100 feet below. The small and heavily sloped green is surrounded by a ravine and a bunker on the left.

Hole 13
The par 4 thirteen is a quite difficult hole that doglegs to the right, passing through the thick tropical rainforest, before reaching the green surrounded by a ravine.

Langer Course

Unlike The Couples, the Langer course has an entirely different appeal altogether. From the moment you set foot on the teeing ground, you’ll know that this course is not for the weak at heart. It’s more open than its sister course, but the landing areas and more narrow and filled with optical illusions. Be sure to bring out your A-game when you play at the Langer for the holes are indeed very challenging.

Hole 1
Even at the first hole, any golfer would realize that playing at the Langer is no easy task. The 423-yard opening hole is filled with hazards on its entire left side while the fairway narrows as a tree sits right in the ideal landing area.

Hole 2
The bunkers may be a little twenty yards away from the green but you should not let your guards down as not only this hole doglegs to the left, but this 443-yard hole must be played against prevailing winds.

Hole 5
Long hitters are at an advantage playing at five, for this 604-yard par 5 hole is not only unbelievably long but is mostly uphill. So, see to it that you have a hybrid or a long iron with you when you approach the green.

Hole 16
Most people say that sixteen is the most beautiful hole in the course. No wonder, this 577-yard par five hole is located at the most stunning part of the course. But beware, sixteen can be quite difficult as it doglegs to the left towards the double green that it shares with hole three.

Hole 17
Seventeen is considered as the Langer’s signature hole. At 156-yard par 3, this hole can be really difficult for first timers as the hole is heavily sloping downward.

Amenities:
The Riviera Golf & Country Club’s clubhouse sets an open-air, tropic vibe for visitors to unwind – before and after a round of golf. Dining is a treat with the view presented in the restaurant and bar areas. Taking pride with the grand view that the clubhouse presents, a covered driving range is also cleverly designed into the clubhouse.

The club enjoys a peak season during the months of December to March. Foreigners would play here, with Koreans taking the most out of the twin courses’ challenges. At any given weekend, 100-150 members would be in the greens.

Also, the Riviera Golf & Country Club often overlooked appeal is basically right where a visitor would often encounter upon the first visit – the club is known for its warm and very approachable staff, who would often go way out of hand just to help out guests. As noted by a Allan Laguitan, a field marshal with the club since the late 90s, warm welcomes are expected in this course – a great compliment to the already outstanding facilities and greens in the club!

Throughout the years, GolfPH has remained to be the number one online resource for golf in the Philippines– providing both professional and beginner golfers a chance to see and fully appreciate playing in the country. GolfPH has continually fulfilled its vision to make golfing in the Philippines more convenient, affordable, and worthwhile.

This year, GolfPH invites you to discover a whole new way of enjoying golf in the country as they hold their first Annual Golf Tournament at the picturesque Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club. The tournament will kick off on June 22, 2012 at 8:00am. It will be an energy-filled and exciting round of golf that not only fosters friendly competition and serves as a platform of learning for members of GolfPH, but more so, a fun way to promote tourism in the Philippines.

For a price of P2,700, you get to meet and greet other GolfPH members in an exciting morning golf game. The fee also includes a caddie, insurance and lunch. But if you choose to be one of the early birds and send your payment from April to May, you get a discounted rate of P2,500. GolfPH loves giving back– 10% of the proceeds from the tournament will go directly to its chosen charity.

Feel the passion in playing golf. Contact us now and be part of an exciting tournament that will build your love for this game and definitely open your eyes to wonders of playing the sport in the Philippines.

To spike up the challenge to a higher level, GolfPH is also offering a one-of-a-kind prize for a lucky player. The first golfer to hit a hole-in-one in the tournament wins a BRAND NEW VESPA LX 150 – hope you get to ride home in this beauty!

The cozy ambiance provided by the exclusive club was the perfect venue for fellow members to share their thoughts on the company and the sport itself. GolfPh’s added services were also reintroduced, in which a short AVP was screened to provide viewers an idea of what the company has to offer.

GolfPH Added Services:

Concierge Service
For those who will be visiting the Philippines for a short stay, or play one time in a golf course,  we have the concierge service to help you with. For one time use of the membership, you get the same perks as a GolfPH member.

Online Booking
Booking your tee time made easy with our online booking! No more contacting the wrong number  or person to a golf course. Just use our online booking, fill out the details and we’ll give you instant confirmation for your booking.

Golf Packages
At GolfPH, we offer only the best of the best courses and accommodations to ensure our members and guests fully enjoy their golfing experience here in the Philippines. That’s why we came up with travel packages for you to choose from.

Monthly Newsletter
Every month, GolfPH makes it a point to update GolfPH members with course reviews, latest product reviews, golf tips to improve your games, golf trivia to tickle your senses and tournament listings of the said month.

The ParTee featured members and guests alike sharing where they normally played at, and referred club greens and playing tips with each other. Capped off with free-flowing drinks and gastronomic hors d’ oeuvre (not to mention, several loot bags for event participants), one can’t help but look forward to what GolfPH has in store for the coming years. And to keep the excitement a notch higher, GolfPH also announced its First Annual Golf Tournament, to be held at the Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club on June 22.

GolfPH’s First Annual Networking Cocktail Event is made possible mainly because of its sponsors’ contributions. A tip of the hat goes to the following: Co-Presentor AutoHub Group (V-Kool); Platinum Sponsor: VMV Hypoallergenics; Premier Sponsors: EO Executive Optical (Adidas), Pro Friends, Elements Residences, Casa Vinicola Zonin, ClickTheCity.COM; and Classic Sponsors: Ariva! Events Management, Inc., PeopleAsia, Sledgers, Victorinox, Crosswinds Resort Suites Tagaytay, Callaway Golf, Macropharma Corporation, Mary Kay, Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, Hotel H2O. The Annual Event was only the beginning of the sponsor’s participation, where more of them will be highlighted at the upcoming Golf tournament.

Just as in any other tournament, the UP Golf’s Maroon Cup commenced as scheduled on Monday, April 16, despite undergoing a seemingly uphill battle and being surrounded by external factors. How many would be actually playing? What was the weather going to be? Could there be a shortage of supplies? In that sense, a tournament and its turnabouts mirror a common quality with the game of golf – unpredictability.

Nevertheless, unpredictability is a tool that can measure one’s capacity to adapt, maneuver, and rise to the challenge. Therefore, we, the UP Golf Team, can proudly say two things: that the tournament did not give in to any of these factors, and that we have successfully completed another chapter in our book of tradition.

Once more, we would like to congratulate the winners and record-holders of the tournament in the various categories:

Winners

Over-all Champion: JIN HO KIM, GRS 73

Low Gross Champion: PHIL KYU CHO, GRS 71

Class A:

Champion: SANG JIN JUNG, GRS 73

Runner-up: TOMAS JOSON, GRS 74

Class B:

Champion: JI YOUNG SHIN, GRS 86

Runner-up: ED BOLAÑOS, GRS 87

Class C:

Champion: ROLLY QUINTAN, GRS 97

Runner-up: MOISES BALON, GRS 106

Women’s Champion: HAE NA KIM, GRS 75

Women’s Runner-up: REG DE GUZMAN, GRS 78

Record-holders

Longest drive: HOLE # 16 MR. PHIL KYU CHOI, 311 yards

Nearest to the pin: HOLE #13 MR. JOHN ESTRADA, 38 inches

Most accurate: HOLE # 12 MR. KASUJI NAGAYA, 48 inches

We would also like to thank all the participants who invested time, sweat, patience, and effort to take part in our event, including the recipients of Hole-in-one prizes (on every par 3). We hope you enjoyed not only the tournament, but as well as the accompanying raffle prizes to take home. Without your presence, the Maroon Cup could not have been as eventful and memorable. We hope to see you in another team event in the future!

The Maroon Cup is co-presented by San Miguel Corporation and UP Golf Team, Inc.

In partnership with Forest Hills Golf and Country Club

Our sponsors: Loro, On The Tee, 100 Plus, Summit, Asia Brewery, Bank of the Philippines, Planet Sports, Arena Sports, K Swiss, San Benito Wellness, Garnier, Meralco, Toyota Balintawak, Allied Bank, Alveo Ayala Land, Mega World Corporation, Sherwoods Hills Golf and Country Club, SMB Takes you to the Philippines, Duty Free Philippines, Northern Islands, 3D, Belson Securities, Excellent Golfing Partners, Boracay Island Adventures, Amaia Land Corporation, Suriya Spa, Ottica, and Fury.

Our hole-in-one sponsors: MeisterAsia Inc, Mizuno, Delta Airlines

And last but most certainly not least, our media partners: Impact Magazine, Golfph.com

]]> http://www.golfph.com/blog/maroon-cup-wrapping-up/feed/ 0 http://www.golfph.com/blog/newsevents/minoza-gives-special-appearance-in-the-ictsi-jungolf-interclub-tournament/ http://www.golfph.com/blog/newsevents/minoza-gives-special-appearance-in-the-ictsi-jungolf-interclub-tournament/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:29:11 +0000 Lito M. http://www.golfph.com/?p=3731

Frankie Miñoza, one of Asia’s living legends in golf has agreed to attend the ceremonial ball today, celebrating the opening of the 2012 ICTSI Jungolf Interclub golf tournament at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Cavite.

This is the first time that Miñoza has attended the annual jungoal circuit and it takes a very humble man to agree to meet with the kids and those who aspire to became better players. This is his first appearance in an event like this after achieving so many awards and eventually becoming one of the country’s best professional golf players.

The event also marks the first time that the country’s biggest golf complex will be hosting the Jungolf Interclub which has a total of 144 players from 16 different golf clubs.

The event is said to be hosted by Pancake House, Mcdonald’s, Golf Depot, Duty Free Philippines, Teriyaki Boy, PAL, Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak, Pioneer insurance, Julie’s Bakeshop, Pacsports, B hotel and Inquirer Golf.

Those who did well in the jungolf namely Mia Legaspi, Andi Unson, Princess Superal, Sarah Ababa, AR ramos, Bernice Olivares-llas, Aidric Chan, and Josh Jorge will be trying their best to achieve a lead for their clubs in the 54- hole tourney.

Today marks the opening of the Philippine Amateur Closed Championship tournament at the Sherwood Hills Golf and Country Club in Cavite.

Gio Gandioco, who was rewarded the Cebu Country Club’s title romp in the recent PAL Interclub, leads in the five-day tournament wherein he made a 36-hole stroke play elims in the first two days of the competition.

On the girls division, Dottie Ardina will battle it out with Lovelynn Guioguio, Jayvie Agojo and Sunshine Baraquiel, Eva Miñoza and Apple Fudolin. Ardina will also be having a match against Frankie Miñoza, Jan Punzalan and Lovelynn Guioguio.

Jomar Austria, Andres Saldana and John Kier Abdon will also fight for the boy’s crown which Zaragosa successfully got last year.

A close battle is also expected in the seniors division which will be attended by former national player Bing Bunye, Bong Vilchez, and Gen. Boni De Castro.

Meanwhile, in the mid- amateur field, the match will be led by Sherwood’s third escano, Rex Goquinco, Jingy tuason, Toffee Tionko, Den Den de Castro, Takayuki Kozono, Abe Rosal, Karloz Alba, Raymond Bunquin, Joel Jose and Erwin Restaba.

Paul Vesinica, Junio Vesinica and Rene Menor of Iloilo Golf and Country Club will also be present in the match sponsored by Pancake House, Golf Depot, Airphil Express and Titleist.

A lot of golf courses would dub themselves as “world-class”. The adjective can actually be in line with the features the club provides, the quality service it guarantees for its guests, or for better or worst, a way to entice more players to visit the greens.

Yet, when “world-class” is used to describe the greens of FA Korean CC (Fontana Apollon Korea Country Club), you can be assured that is exactly you can expect to be in. The whole place, an extravagant feature of Korean design and ingenuity, speaks only of the best golfing experience you can get in the Philippines.

Having opened just last 2007, FA Korea CC has, surprisingly, grown into a club worthy to go against the very best places to play golf in the country. With 27 holes currently opened (made up of three lines, the In, Out and Royal Courses), the wide rolling greens with an exceptional view of surrounding mountains provide the perfect ambiance for the perfect balance of a serene and challenging game. This can especially be seen in the management’s care of the greens, by making use of easy-to-maintain zoysia grass, to give the players a unique and enjoyable round of golf.

The club started out as a joint venture between three major companies – Fontana Development Corporation, Apollon Development & Management Corp., and a Korean company, Victoria. As a premier destination for Koreans – and golfers from all nationalities – the club takes pride with its Korean designed layout and facilities. In terms of actual staffing, FA Korea CC makes sure that every caddy under their employ follows the strict protocol and respect of proper golf ethic, which also includes the attire used for work. All these little details, and the succeeding and successful outcomes that results from them, are primarily stemmed from the brilliant ideas of its head, Chairman Jo Kwang Rae.

Located in F Balagtas Ave., Clarkfield, Pampanga, FA Korea CC is easily accessible to foreigners and the public alike. It’s facade, which can be easily mistaken as a hotel front, does actually hide several wonderful views and secrets

The view of the course from the 3-storey clubhouse balcony is simply breathtaking. You can actually see the uniqueness of the course as it unfolds before your eyes– a taste of Korea right at the foothills of the Zambales range. The fairways made of carabao grass are well maintained and the greens are perfect, especially with the zoysia grass at the peak of its maturity. The bowl-shaped fairways and enormous greens truly makes this course worth playing at over again.

Every hole features something new and each of them promises a challenging treat both to professional and weekend golfers. Just be sure to watch out for these memorable holes when you play at FA Korea Country Club:

Hole 2
At first glance, nobody would think that the 585-yard second hole, with its magnificent scenery, is actually one of the most unforgiving holes in the inner course. It is a tricky hole in fact, with the green well hidden from your sight but with two enormous OBs on both sides of the fairway. Take a breath before your shot– the green is surrounded by several bunkers.

Hole 5
Deemed as one of the most difficult holes in the entire course, this 439-yard fifth hole has a long and upward fairway that makes the pin on the green look very small. It may look seem a common straight hole but don’t be fooled– the length and elevation would actually need you to change your club more than once. Plus the green is irregular, adding the to the challenge one you try to figure the putting line.

Hole 7
This 253-yard hole can pose a big problem, especially if you hastily grab your driver for tee-off, thinking that it is a par 4 hole when in fact it is only a par 3. Secure your shot from the fairway– on the left is an OB, while the green has a bunker on the left side. What’s more is that the back of the green is quite elevated, requiring a straight and well-calculated shot.

Hole 8
At 611 yards, this par 5 eighth hole is definitely the longest hole at FA Korea and is definitely one of the most difficult holes to play in the inner course. Longhitters may seem at an advantage but this hole can be quite tricky. The fairway is a little bent to the left and is quite elevated, so you won’t be able to see a good view of the green surrounded by bunkers on both sides.

Hole 16
Playing at the 441-yard sixteenth hole is definitely something you should look forward to–not only because it’s the signature hole but because it is the most difficult hole in the entire course. It was actually designed in the shape of Korea, with the green symbolizing the beautiful Jeju Island. So, be sure to aim for accurate rather than long shots when playing at this hole.

Hole 18
The course at FA Korea wouldn’t let you finish without a fight. The 495-yard hole eighteen will surely make your game worthwhile and memorable. In case you dwon’t notice, its green and bunkers are actually shaped after the Korean flag. Aside from that, it is also considered as a dogleg hole, bending to the right. That’s why it can prevent you from easily reaching the green if you hit too far to the left; while aiming your shot to the right, will only land your ball straight into the creek.

FA Korea CC takes pride of it’s Korean-centric management, staff and design. With the entire clubhouse providing a relaxing feel (which can be considered both as a relief and reward for players and visitors), one can easily find him or herself right at home in its vicinities.

Following a strict Korean feel, lockers are designed access and security, with the added benefit of sheer aesthetic design. Shower rooms are in itself a place to actually visit and admire – common showers and tubs, typical of Japanese and Korean architecture, are situated in the clubhouse. This not only provides a different (for local visitors) experience, but a relaxing cool-down session as well. Korean food is the highlight of its restaurant, offering a great gastronomic delight.

With its beautiful greens, its on-course facilities are as par with the excellent surroundings. Lightning resters are located at various key locations in the course, to provide protection for both the greens and the golfers. A fleet of up to 150 golf carts are available for players to use, with the latest models (the electric motor variety) to drive. Caddies are professional and kind, with a unique Korean-designed gear.

The expansive club also offers the use of a posh hotel for its visitors. Featuring 80 rooms, with a single room containing 2 more rooms inside (for a total of 160), provides much-needed R&R for the weary travelers to rest in. A spa is also offered, to guarantee premium relaxation from stress.

In terms of employee ethics, it can be significantly noticed that FA Korea CC actually does care for its guests. It can be seen that proper golf decorum is practice, right down from respecting other playing fleets down to the work (yet fashionable) Korean clothes that the caddies wear.

Chairman Jo Kwang Rae’s decision to set up a “world-class” golf course in the northern part of the Philippines can actually be considered as a success. With a peak season (as early of September, which ends just at the tip of April the next year), as many as 500 more players play in FA Korea CC.

Though a private club, FA Korea CC is actually open to the playing public. This can prove to be a great chance for local golfers looking to spice up their game, on both the challenge and ambiance factors. Take the chance to actually play in this “world-class” golf course. We can guarantee you, you’ll surely enjoy – and possibly come back for more – visiting and playing at this place!

A hole in one for perfect vision

The new Retego models from Adidas eyewear

Golf is a sport for perfectionists. Even the smallest detail can help to decide whether a shot succeeds or fails. This makes perfect vision an essential requirement for success and fun on the green. With the Retego II, the sports eyewear specialist Adidas Eyewear is bringing golfers optimal vision and a stylish look up to the 18th hole and beyond. Developed in partnership with the professional golfer Justin Rose, the new edition features a narrower filter shape and is also available in the Retego graphics series. Adidas Eyewear is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by EO-Executive Optical.

Every sport poses its own specific challenges. This applies to the eyes as well. When playing golf, our vision is affected by factors such as the sun, back light, wind and insects. Golfers also need to be able to accurately judge distances on fairways and greens with varying topographies. High-quality golf glasses, such as the Retego II from Adidas Eyewear, protect the eyes and ensure optimal vision. All of these can help to influence the positive outcome of a round.

The Retego was developed in partnership with the British golf professional Justin Rose, winner of the Australian Masters 2006. The model is distinguished by first-class function, a modern frame design and classic colours. The more strongly curved lens shape is tailored to the head and eye movements made in golf, guaranteeing optimal 360-vision and perfect protection. A wide selection of lens versions to suit different weather conditions ensure improved contrasts and colour perception. All the lenses meet the standards of optical quality class 1 and provide one-hundred percent UV protection. The Retego II fits unobtrusively under a cap or visor. The frames are so light and flexible you will hardly notice you’re wearing them – ensuring maximum comfort on the green.

To compensate for poor vision, all Retego models can be equipped with optical correction. An optical insert with prescription lenses can be clipped onto the bridge behind the filters to create optimal vision.

Like all the other models in the Adidas Eyewear collection, the Retego II and Retego graphics series are designed and manufactured by the renowned eyewear producer Silhouette International in Austria.

To find out more about Adidas Eyewear and the Retego models, visit selected EO-Executive Optical branches nationwide.

Contact:

Silhouette International Schmied AG, Adidas Global Licensee,

Ellbognerstr. 24, A-4021 Linz, Austria, Phone: +43 (0)732 37 11 17, Fax: +43 (0)732 37 11 14,

e-mail:office@adidas-ep.com, adidas.com/eyewear

Passion. Chances. Growth. Sport.

Get set to rediscover the game of golf like you’ve never before. Get in the zone with the Maroon Cup, proudly presented by the UP Golf Team, Inc. and San Miguel Corporation, in partnership with Forest Hills Golf and Country Club.

Hosted by the one and only Ms. Zoe Sandejas!

Rebirth. That is the foundation of UP Golf’s ongoing pursuit of its vision. Following the 2010 UP Open, this year’s tournament aims to foster both friendly competition and a platform for learning. Meet, greet, and learn from fellow golfers, for we welcome everyone – beginner, amateur, professional, local or foreigner – as warmly as we did to the team’s current Korean members. Golf is camaraderie.

Mark those calendars for Monday, April 16, 2012 at the Nicklaus Course in Forest Hills Golf and Country Club, Cogeo, Antipolo City. Tournament fee is Php. 3, 000, which covers green fee, one golf cart, lunch, raffle stub, and giveaway.

The UP Golf Team, Inc. would like to thank the following:

Loro, L Oreal, Garnier, San Benito Wellness, Belson Securities Inc., Excellent Golfing Partner, Meralco, Toyota Balintawak, On the Tee, BPI securities, KIA Congressional, 100 Plus, Summit Water, Allied Bank, Arena Sports, Boracay Island Adventure.

Its hole in one sponsors: Delta. Mizuno. Meister Asia Inc.