Lawyer Domingo Duerme, PAL senior assistant vice president for Mindanao, told MindaNews at the sideline of the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association Forum Thursday that “lots of golfers from the Philippines and abroad are coming over for the event and usually the players bring along their families.”
The hotel, restaurant, transportation and retail industries are likely to benefit from the event which has attracted a total of 156 teams both in seniors and mens contest, including 63 international teams from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan, China and the United States.
"This event will pour in money here in Davao since most of the players save money for this event, " said Duerme who is also the tournament committee chair.
He expects each player to spend around P2,000 to P2,500 per day.
For many years, according to Duerme, the PAL Inter club creates jobs, most especially for the caddies and umbrella girls.
Caddies are the persons who carry a player's bag, and gives insightful advice and moral support. A good caddy is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, along with the best strategy in playing it.
This city's scenic golf courses- the world-class Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club and Apo Golf and Country Club- are all set to host the country's oldest, largest and most prestigious golf team competition.
"They (the management of the two golf courses) are now preparing their courses for the PAL Inter club. They made refurbishments most especially in the fairways, " said Duerme who went around the golf courses "every now and then".
The tee off areas are now off limits, Duerme added, and appealed to "everyone" to help ensure the success of the PAL Inter club which was last held in this city three years ago.
"Let’s work together for the successful turn out of this events since there are many people who will go to Davao City, " He said. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)
