Lipa City ready for 1st Barako Cup

LIPA CITY — A new mixed-team competition will happen this week as the city launches the inaugural Lipa City Fiesta Barako Golf tournament slated on Jan. 15 to 18 at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club and Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club here.

The announcement was made by City Mayor Eric Africa together with key LGU officials and representatives of the co-host venues in a media conference held at Summit Point.

The two-day tournament was actually conceptualized by Engr. Raul Montealto, who brought the idea to the LGU. The goal of the Barako Golf is to further promulgate the sports programs of the LGU of Lipa as well as promote the city as a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern development with an impeccable feel of a relaxing getaway, to which Mayor Africa agrees.

Mayor Africa said: “It is truly an honor for our city to start this kind of tournament, which we see as at par with the other major team championships in the country. Hopefully, through the Barako Golf, we would be able to showcase our two golf courses (Mount Malarayat and Summit Point), as well as the beautiful places and delicious food that Lipa has to offer. I do hope, in the future, that Barako Golf would become part of the golfers’ yearly calendar and to make Lipa a travel destination too.”

Montealto said: “For the first time, Mount Malarayat, now 25 years old, and Summit Points, around 20, merged to make the Barako Golf a reality. It is patterned to some of the best team competitions. It was conceptualized by yours truly to help Lipa in its effort for golf tourism. Luckily, there’s a lot of participating teams.

The Barako Golf will accord participants two practice rounds starting today up to Tuesday plus a welcome cocktail for the participants. There would be fiesta-themed party nights on tournament days (January 17 and 18) and a grand awarding party, complete with exciting entertainment and raffle prizes on the last day. To spice up the tournament, a brand-new Toyota Wigo and a golf cart would be raffled off during the awards night.

But what would set apart the Barako Golf, sponsored by CWS Party List and RAMADA Realty, is that it will accommodate female players, something that is not allowed in the other team competitions in the country like the Fil-Am Invitational and PAL Interclub.

“Female players are welcome to join,” says Summit Point general manager Vic de Guzman. “Of course, we will take in consideration their handicaps and adjust them to level the playing field.”

De Guzman said: “There is a clamor from the ladies as to why they are not allowed entry in team play so we decided to go against the tide and include them. We are proud to have this kind of setup. The Barako Golf is not only for barako golfers but barako lady golfers as well.”