Jungolf to use OOM-style ranking system

The Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) kicks off 2010 with the launching of a new national ranking system to determine the top junior golfers in their respective age groups. The JGFP will start using the national ranking system — similar to the professionals’ Order of Merit — at the Tat Filipinas in San Pedro, Laguna on Jan. 24 and the Jan. 31 event at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite. JGFP chairman Gerry Handog and new president Luigi Tabuena, sensing it is the right opportunity said the move has long been on the suggestion table and wasted no time in crafting the system which aims to spark renewed interest in junior golf. The JGFP, now supported by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), also aims to revive the special 18-21 age division for the continuity of the program. “Change is inevitable and JGFP isn’t spared from it. This latest undertaking by the group shows that it is serious in taking bold and major steps to upgrade the state of the junior golf industry in the country," Handog said. In each of the JGFP tournament, jungolfers who win or make the cut will earn points which will be accumulated until the end of the season. The top point-getter will surely be the No. 1 player of the land and may be chosen also as the choice for the national team. “This is the start of a new beginning for Philippine junior golf," said Tabuena, citing the importance of year-round training and competition. – GMANews.TV