THE National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and the Asian Tour would have to look for a new venue for the 2009 Philippine Open because the fabled East course of Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, host venue the last three years, would undergo a major renovation very soon.

Wack Wack president Luis Tan confirmed the planned renovation in his speech during the awarding ceremony of the recent Open at the tee mound of the East’s hole No. 1.

Angelo Que won the 92nd edition of the Open by one stroke to become the second consecutive Filipino to win Asia’s oldest national championship for a second straight year. Frankie Miñoza won his second Open crown last year.

Que churned in a 73 on the final day for a 283 total and win by one stroke Malaysian Danny Chia. Que, who qualified for this year’s British Open, earned $47,550 (about P1.9 million) from the $300,000 total prize fund. It was his second career win in the Asian Tour. He turned pro in 2002. Chia turned in a 66 for a 284 total and took home $32,550, or P1.3 million. 

The renovation for the East layout would primarily be on the installation of a new underground water pipes system because most of the pipes on the course have deteriorated. The existing pipes system have been there since at least 30 years ago. 

“As much as we wanted to host the RP Open, we have no recourse but to upgrade the East course to an all-weather championship course.  By our estimate, it would take more than a year to do so,” said Tan.

But, Tan explained, the NGAP and Asian Tour are always welcome at Wack Wack. 

“RP Open is synonymous to Wack Wack and our club will always be the best home of this prestigious golf pro tournament,” Tan said.

Wack Wack had hosted the RP Open a record 42 times.  Manila Golf Club was host for 22 editions, Manila Southwoods four and Valley Golf three.  The other host venues were Holiday Hills, Villamor Golf Club, Apo Golf Club, Riviera Golf Club, Camp John Hay and Mount Malarayat.

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THE National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and the Asian Tour would have to look for a new venue for the 2009 Philippine Open because the fabled East course of Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, host venue the last three years, would undergo a major renovation very soon.

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