Text and photos by Fernando Sepe Jr, ABS-CBNnews.com
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Golf course designer Dana Fry wants to take lessons learned in sustainability to the Philippines. |
MANILA, Philippines – Golf and the environment don’t come together easily. At least not in Asia and certainly not in the Philippines.
Golf course architect Dana Fry wants to change that.
The Hong Kong-based Fry, who is tasked with looking after the projects of his company, Hurdzan Fry Environmental Golf Course Design, in the Asia-Pacific region, was recently in the Philippines to look into possibilities of building an environment-friendly golf course from the ground up.
Fry was a guest of Atty. Edna Paña of Tat Filipinas, a golf course in San Pedro, Laguna that practices an environmentally sustainable operation.
The two met each other at a golf conference in Kuala Lumpur back in 2009. Fry heard Paña talking about environmental sustainability and they immediately found a common interest.
Paña put those words into action by adopting a sustainable approach in the operation of the 30-year old Tat Filipinas golf course, starting with the use of native vegetation as part of the course landscape.
Today around 22 hectares of the 50-hectare course is devoted to natural vegetation that not only reduced 30% of the operating cost but has become a habitat for both wildlife and fruit-bearing trees. In fact, if you play on any given day there, you’ll find a variety of fruits and root crops for sale in the lobby
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"We are just going back to the way golf started." |
“I can walk around and see the native habitat with my own eyes,” Fry said about the course. “And I’ve seen seven or eight courses over four visits in the Philippines and with what they have done here (at Tat) there is nobody even close to that.”
Fry lamented the lack of willingness among golf course developers in Asia to go environmental.
“They keep building courses just to sell real estate and fill hotel rooms,” Fry noted.
Fry further stressed that the only way to grow the game in Asia is to make it accessible for everyone so that you grow the number of players and the only way to do this is to offer lower green fees staffed with teaching pros.
And the money saved on operating costs by turning “green” can help make this feasible, he said.
‘Living research’ laboratory
Fry joined the Hurdzan Fry Environmental Golf Course Design in 1988 after working with renowned golfer Tom Fazio.
It was Dr. Michael Hurdzan who pioneered a study on environmental sustainability in golf courses by designing a golf course that would become a “living research” laboratory.
Hurdzan and Fry converted an abandoned sand and gravel quarry in Scituate, Massachusetts and converted it into a public links golf course now called Widow’s Walk. The course design called for the use of grasses native in the area, which would cut the use of fertilizer and pesticides. They also consumer less water; only 30 acres of the 100-acre course area are irrigated.
“Back then, the golfing community looked at Dr. Hurdzan as crazy,” Fry recalled, adding that in the early years, green meant “beautiful” as exemplified by courses such as the Augusta National, home of the US Masters.
But from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, environmental golf slowly became the buzzword in the golfing industry.
“Our company became the sort of go-to guys from the mid-‘90s on through mid-2008 before the economy crashed. We were getting a lot of work from the developers because Dr. Hurdzan can talk to the environmental people and address their issues,” Fry said.
U.S. Open
Hurdzan and Fry are best known for the construction of Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin, which began in 2005.
Fry said they knew before they even opened the course that it would host some of the biggest tournaments in the United States.
Even before it officially opened in 2006, Erin Hills was already chosen to host the US Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 2008 and the US Amateur in 2011 by the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The USGA events caught the attention of Mike Davis, executive director of the US National Open Championship, who, in June 2010, awarded the 2017 U.S. Open to Erin Hills.
The last time the U.S. Open was awarded to a living golf course architect was in 1970 with the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
It will also be only the sixth time in the 111-year history of the Open that it will be played on a public course.
“It is unbelievable, unprecedented because most U.S. Opens are held in courses that are a hundred years old and have quite a history,” said Fry, obviously thrilled with the attention and opportunity of hosting one of only four major golf championships in the world.
Fry believes part of the reason is the size of Erin Hills, which is nestled on a 700-acre (283-hectare) lot that can accommodate over 100,000 spectators compared, say, to the Merion Golf Club, which will host the 2013 Open, at 108 acres.
The large area is also ideal for any adjustments in terms of length that designers now have to make to courses in the face of long-hitters such as Tiger Woods and the rest of the top players in the world.
But the most notable feature of Erin Hills is its use of fescue and wild grasses.
Unknown to many, the old courses in Scotland and Ireland all use varieties of fescues, and that’s the reason why when one is watching the British Open, for example, the fairways would look “dry” with large patches of brown areas.
But compared to blue grass or bentgrass, fescue, being native to the environment, takes far less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
“We are just going back to the way golf started. St. Andrews in Scotland was not a built golf course, it is mowed by sheep,” Fry said.
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Natural vegetation results in less water and chemicals used to maintain the course at Tat Filipinas. |
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 10:09
Wednesday, 02 February 2011 15:34
By: Lalissa Singson, UBE Media
Season 8, Episode 1
Airing Date: February 3, 2011
A Round of Golf, your one and only local golf TV show in the Philippines, takes pride on its eight season as it features TAT Filipinas Golf Club, a sustainable golf course located in San Pedro, Laguna. Join our host Dominic Uy and feel the essence of an organically maintained golf course that nurtures the sport and nourishes the environment.
In Golf Gigs, experience a golf tournament wonderland in APT Cup. Spot golfers in your favorite fictional character costumes on the fairway where glory is definitely eyed on. Join us as we learn about the Dynamic Sports in Golf ETC. Welcome the new season with better performance as Golf Gear digs to the potentials of Titleist 910 Driver. To smash up our pilot episode for season eight, our Golf Guru Jun Cedo will teach how to use breathing to improve your putting.
Watch A Round of Golf every Thursday at 8PM on Solar Sports at Global Destiny (Channel 34), Sky Cable (Channel 70), and Cablelink (Channel 31). Visit our website www.aroundofgolf.tv for our past episodes, the hosts’ blogs, and behind-the-scene pictures. Remember to follow the show on Multiply, Facebook, and Twitter. A Round of Golf is presented by Air21 and specially produced by UBE Media.
By Chupsie Medina
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NOTHING AND nothing could keep all those who aspired to matter in the country’s highly competitive motoring industry from converging at Tat Pilipinas in San Pedro, Laguna, last Tuesday, November 16, for the First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup. Differences, even idiosyncrasies, were set aside on this auspicious day.
“I didn’t know that golf could bring all of you together,” addressed Philippine Daily Inquirer chairman Marixi Prieto during the awarding ceremonies to the 115 tournament participants, including 19 chief executive officers representing the power blocks of the industry’s vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, luxury car importers, dealers, suppliers and contractors.
Even mega busy tycoons like Alfred Ty, Felix Ang and Pepito Alvarez, found time to drop in to fill their lungs with fresh country air as well as share some light talk with competitors, friends and associates in the business.
Though he didn’t make it to the game proper, Robert Coyuito Jr. lent support, arriving in style with his chopper.
It does help that everyone in the Philippine motoring industry is just standing in wait for the clock to strike the end of year chime before passing out congratulatory pats for chalking surprisingly banner year results despite economic uncertainties and a tougher competitive environment.
This year’s auto industry sales is poised to break the existing record with most, if not all, of the major players reporting sharp increases.
Despite the charmed statistics, 2010 had not been a walk in the park as far as the global industry leaders are concerned. Worldwide, GM had to face the fall-out of its financial bail-out in the US and its consequent restructuring. The formidable Toyota empire too had its share of uncomfortable moments, starting with the shrinking demand for vehicles across developed countries, and later compounded by safety recalls on accelerator and brake problems.
Even the local industry found reason for discord. The lifting of trade restrictions under AFTA were superimposed by new treaties aimed at mitigating perceived shifts in competitiveness, but which supposedly only built additional trade barriers and further uneven playing fields. Shifting interests as a result had led to shifting allegiances.
But enough of the serious stuff. PAGC, at least for the day, gave the industry players an opportunity to forget the daily work grind. In the team play for example, Team Toyota, with its artillery of nine corporate executives, gallantly bowed to Team Ford’s foursome made up of Edmund Yee, Anthony Cheng, Andrei Borromeo and Ryan Lorenzo.
In the individual play, Hyundai’s Leo San Juan carded the overall lowest net, besting by only a fraction of a point Ford’s Edmund Yee who happily accepted honors as Class A champion. The best in Class B was Toyota’s Rommel Gutierrez, while BMW’s Bong Santos grabbed Class C honors.
And to the envy of all, Nissan’s Ronald Olit accomplished that elusive ace on the short, 160-yard third hole with the unlikliest of clubs- a driver.
For an occasional golfer who had to be dragged in to play at the last minute, a flapping golf shoe could not compete with the widest of smiles that came with winning two-not one-golf carts donated by motorsports czar Johnny Tan through his Kart Plaza Manufacturing firm and Club Car.
Pilipinas Shell co-presented the tournament. Lucerne, Sledgers through the Primer Group, Batangas Racing Circuit were the major sponsors while Bosch, Philippine Airlines, Print Town, Red Rock Travel, Winter Pine, Sea Air, Club 357 Boracay and GEC were minor sponsors. The other sponsors were Johnnie Walker, Concept One, Goodyear, Automobile Association of the Philippines, Boracay Sands, Coca Cola, Club 357, Penk Ching of Pastry Bin, Sun Valley Suites, Primal Enterprises, Fuentes Manila, Master Sports, Riz Golf Trophies, Xenon Bulbs, Mothers Detailing, Tuason Racing School and Antonio’s.
By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—They were able to shake the car industry out of the doldrums, an extraordinary feat considering that car sales have remained uninspired for the past several years.
By launching more appealing car models—with better performing engines and more inspired designs—coupled with a more aggressive marketing strategy, the country’s car companies have succeeded in wooing back buyers.
Lots of them, in fact.
For the first time in more than a decade, this year’s domestic car sales are poised to exceed the 1996 sales figure of 162,000 units—a pre-Asian crisis high.
To acknowledge this feat, the Philippine Daily Inquirer Motoring section and Inquirer Golf Monthly magazine together with major backer Pilipinas Shell have decided that it’s time to salute the irrepressible car executives and the other industry partners and treat them to a game of golf that they will not easily forget.
The First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup, which will be held at the TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro, Laguna, on November 16 will certainly be an excellent reason for them to take time out from their busy schedule.
After all, almost everyone in the local automotive business will be there—the big bosses behind the Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Foton, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, MINI Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, UMC, Toyota, and Volvo brands in the Philippines—and it would be exciting to know who among them will turn out to be the most skilled—or the luckiest—in the game of golf.
“I believe every executive needs interludes of quiet and rest as he or she thinks through what has been going on in his or her office. Golf events such as this offer us a chance to clear away some of the stresses at work,” said Isuzu Motor Philippines SVP Arthur Balmadrid who will be playing along with the automaker’s Japanese executives.
Balmadrid added the First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup is a perfect event to link up with their colleagues in the automotive industry most of whom enjoy their weekends by heading to their favorite golf courses.
“While we try to outdo each other in the hope of posting the best car sales figure, we are fellow partners all working to make the Philippine car industry return to profitability,” he said.
Balmadrid is also excited about the game’s venue describing TAT Filipinas Golf Club “as one of the finest and most challenging golf courses in the country.”
Designed by world renowned Japanese architect Inoue Seiichi, the championship 18-hole, par 72 course puts sustainability at its heart considering that it conserves water way much better than the rest as well as uses nitrogen fertilizer way below the prescribed limits.
Such sustainability efforts bodes well for the players of the November 16 event considering these automotive executive also puts sustainability at the heart of their respective company’s operations as well as car products.
What the Inquirer Motoring and Inquirer Golf Monthly prepared should prove exciting for the participants.
The First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup will be awarded to the team (made up of car executives) which will score the lowest in a four-to-play, three-to-count format.
The event will also feature a separate individual competition among all the invited guests.
Of course not only the car executives will be able to enjoy the game as their invited teammates (dealers and suppliers) will also be able to play in the Open category.
The First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup, which is presented by Pilipinas Shell and supported by Lucerne, The Primer Group/Travel Club and Johnny Tan as major sponsors and Bosch, Philippine Airlines and Red Rock Travel as minor sponsors will give the winning teams travel packages, golf carts and many more.
Hole-in-one prizes include a Yamaha cart and a Club Car.
Among the sponsors are Print Town Group of Companies, Hinge Inquirer Publications, Home Depot, The Bellevue Manila, Winterpine, Club 357, Boracay Sands, Johnnie Walker, Concept One, Master Sports Corp., and the Autohub Group.
MANILA, Philippines - One hundred forty-six players from 22 Metro Manila schools are competing in the first ICTSI Inter School Golf Championships set to kick off today at the rolling TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro, Laguna.
The big field will play in two batches over four Sundays with today’s group playing its second round on Nov. 7 at the Philippine Navy Golf Club course. The second group is scheduled to play on Oct. 24 at TAT Filipinas and Nov. 14 at the Philippine Navy.
The Inter School series is still part of the year-round talent development program being initiated by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. with the full backing of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and other sponsors.
Philippine Airlines, PanCake House Group, Terriyaki Boy and Sizzlin Pepper are major sponsors. Other sponsors are Smart, Inquirer Golf, Friends of JGFP, Dynamics Sports and Pioneer Insurance.
Participating schools are Acacia School, Ateneo de Manila University, Assumption College, Beacon International, Brent International, DLSU Canlubang, DLSU Taft, College of St. Benilde, Dela Salle Zobel, Marist School, Integrated Montessori School, Kennedy School International, La Salle Greenhills, Morning Dew Montessori, St. Paul’s College, Southville International, The Masters Academy, Sacred Heart, St. Francis of Assisi, School of the Holy Spirit and Xavier School.
Entries will be classified according to the following: Midgets 1 (boys Grade 5-7), Midgets 2 (Boys Grade 2-4), Seniors (boys college) Girls 1 (high school and college), Girls 2 (Grade 2-7), Juniors (boys high school).
They will be competing for the team and individual honors with corresponding points that will qualify them for the grand finals on January next year.
Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — One hundred forty-six players from 22 Metro Manila schools are competing in the 1st ICTSI Inter School Golf Championships set to kick off this Sunday at the rolling TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro, Laguna.
The big field will play in two batches over four Sundays with today’s group playing its second round on Nov. 7 at the Philippine Navy Golf Club course. The second group is scheduled to play on Oct. 24 at TAT Filipinas and November 14 at the Philippine Navy.
The Inter School series is still part of the year-round talent development program being initiated by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. with the full backing of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and other sponsors.
Philippine Airlines, PanCake House Group, Terriyaki Boy and Sizzlin Pepper are major sponsors. Other sponsors are Smart, Inquirer Golf, Friends of JGFP, Dynamics Sports and Pioneer Insurance.
Participating schools are Acacia School, Ateneo de Manila University, Assumption College, Beacon International, Brent International, DLSU Canlubang, DLSU Taft, College of St. Benilde, Dela Salle Zobel, Marist School, Integrated Montessori School, Kennedy School International, La Salle Greenhills, Morning Dew Montessori, St. Paul’s College, Southville International, The Masters Academy, Sacred Heart, St. Francis of Assisi, School of the Holy Spirit, and Xavier School. Manila Bulletin
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