TWO of the biggest names in golf, world No. 1 Jason Day and former No. 1 Rory McIlroy, will square off in an 18-hole medal play exhibition match, dubbed Jason Vs. Rory: Battle for a Cause, on November 29 at the brand new Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.
And it’s all in the name of charity, according to Salvador Zamora, chairman of Menlo Renewable Energy Corp., or MREC, promoter and executive producer of the event and together with PLDT and Smart.
“This event is our groundbreaking for a new era of golf in the Philippines,” said Zamora, promoter and executive producer of the event. “My vision is to continue bringing in world-class golfing events to the Philippines to thrill our golf enthusiasts and fans, giving them access to the game and the players that they love.”
The Jason-Rory duel is one for the books. Presented by PLDT and Smart, together with official broadcast partner TV5, the three-day event runs from November 28 to 30. VIP ticketholders will be given the chance to play the course and beat the pros on November 30.
Kicking off the three-day event is a gala dinner and charity auction of prized memorabilia of Day and McIlroy. Proceeds of the entire event will be donated to local charity Alagang Kapatid.
The event also poses a chance for Filipino-Australian Day to reconnect with his roots. Day’s mother, Dening, hails from Leyte.
“We strongly support this event and it is an honor to take part in a noble cause, as two international golf superstars battle for the benefit of their respective charities,” said TV5’s Sports5 Head Vincent “Chot” Reyes, the event producer.
The 400-hectare Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club boasts of a championship layout designed by Mike Singgaran. The 36-hole course is at Barangay Prado Siongo in Lubao, about five minutes away from the Dinalupihan exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.