Marapara Rotary ‘Golf for a Cause’ Draws 100 Golfers

Under clear skies and with the rain holding off just in time, some 100 golfers teed off at the weekend in the 25th annual Rotary ‘Golf for a Cause’ tournament at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

“This year’s tournament was outstanding, with excellent golf and the unwavering generosity of our sponsors and players,” said past club president Mike Bantug, tournament chairman. “This is our major fundraiser of the year, with proceeds enabling us to carry out a wide range of community outreach programs.”

The overall champions were Joemarie Limjap, who took best net with a handicap of 24 and a score of 84 points, and Nicolo Torre, who claimed best gross with a handicap of 10 and 86 points. This year’s event also featured the annual Rotary Inter‑Club Tournament involving local Rotary clubs, with the newly-chartered Rotary Club of Murcia-Tinabuay emerging as champions.

Following two spirited days of competition, camaraderie and charitable giving, golfers and guests gathered for an enjoyable awards dinner at the club. The evening included the presentation of trophies and a lively raffle draw, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Thanks to the funds raised at the ‘Golf for a Cause’ tournament, the Rotary Club of Bacolod‑Marapara is able to undertake a wide range of community outreach activities each year, including medical missions, coastal clean‑ups, feeding programs, distribution of school supplies, computer literacy initiatives, mangrove planting and support for eco‑tourism projects.

The Rotary ‘Golf for a Cause’ tournament remains a cornerstone event, combining sport, fellowship and service to make a lasting difference in the community.* (Robert Harland)