GOLF COMMITTEE REPORT
By Erwin Killip, Golf Commitee Chaiman

September 29, 2007
St. John's Episcopal Church
Flushing, Queens, New York

To:   Fellow participants to the 3rd SMSSAFF Sponsored SMSS Alumni and Friends Conference in North America.

In behalf of the golf committee, I want to thank each and everyone who in one way or the other contributed and helped to the success of the golf tournament - the major fund raising activity scheduled for above-mentioned conference.

The committee reports that despite not meeting some of our goals and expectations, we still consider the tournament a success. We were aiming for as many as 100 golfers and 50 golf hole sponsors. Fifty five [55] golfers signified their participation but only 47 players [44 males and 3 females] were able to participate in the tournament. The golf schedule was a working day and it was very hard for golfers to take off from work commitments.

We, however, exceeded our target number of 50 golf hole sponsors as 54  kind hearted souls answered our appeal for sponsoring a golf hole, the proceeds of which will help educate some Igorot youths in the hinterlands of Northern Philippines. The committee members were able to achieve a modicum of success by: sending close to 160 flyers to prospective sponsors; mano y mano [man-to-man] solicitation efforts among associates, friends and relatives; and a persistent barrage of "come-on" messages through the SMSSAFF website.

The tournament started with the registration of players and a heavy breakfast. A golf opening ceremony followed consisting of a welcome address by the golf pro manager; a benediction by the Very Rev. Dario Palasi and a "Prayer of a Sportsman" led by the SMSSAFF President, Lambert Sagalla.

The first flight of players teed off at around 10:00 AM. There was a thunderstorm and a bunch of players had to go back and finish their game after the rain. The golf tournament, however, was finished within the expected time frame as per SMSS conference schedule of activities. As such there was no delay in the following conference activities - the vespers and the golf awarding ceremonies.

The winners on this 2nd SMSSAFF sponsored golf tournament in North America is attached hereof. A side bet of skins game was organized by some of the players. While it was not sanctioned by the committee, it was allowed to inspire a competitive effort amongst the participants. As a result, it generated a small amount that was donated to the fund raising effort.

I guestimate that we netted nearly $8,000.00 from the golf fund-raising tournament. The financial report of the committee will form part of the SMSSAFF treasurer's [manang Inez]  financial report as all receipts were turned over to her and all disbursements were coursed through her. I would like to add that we were able to solicit donations for the trophies as well as the welcome streamers which gave added savings on our expenses.

Except for the scheduled Power Point Presentation of Gloria Simon and Dr. Cora Aguilar,  the awarding ceremonies was impromptu i. e., without a prepared program. It turned out to be the most entertaining part of the tournament. Majority of the golfers were very much impressed on the simplicity and yet heart-warming and entertainment-filled  activities dished out spontaneously  by the award program coordinators. They said it was so different from all others they attended and one which they so much enjoyed. Thanks to Edong Montero, Brian Gulian and Jerry Abeya for helping make that event a lively closing ceremony for the 2nd SMSSAFF sponsored golf tournament in North America.

COMMENTS:

There were comments and suggestions after the tournament. In every occasion - from planning up to the end, there always are flaws, some small that the planners cannot see and others big that they cannot handle. We heard a few comments so far but they serve as suggestions to improve another tournament when there will be one:

1. The condition of the golf course was not satisfactory. Comparing the golf course where we played to other golf courses around, we could have found a better golf course. But some would be compromised. Before we decided on the venue, we considered the proximity of the course to the venue of the dinner and awarding ceremony, the cost to play, the traffic and the availability of the golf course. It is on this basis that we selected the Marine Park.

2. The tournament should have been scheduled on a weekend. It could have drawn more players.  We gave out fliers and letters to some Golf Associations but many asked if we could move it to a weekend.

3. The food (breakfast) was good and it was enough to feed and include the staff of the golf course, the golfers, volunteers and guests. Most golfers attending a fund raising tournament always look forward on having a good meal.

4. The Award Ceremony was one of a kind - exhilaratingly entertaining. "Ay siya dadlo sa" ay kanan Maltreb.

5. The tournament was well organized.

If there are other comments that we haven't heard of which anybody would like to share, you are welcome to do so.

TOURNAMENT WINNERS:

May I add that the players were from all over the United States not only from the East Coast; while the sponsors were from the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia and the Philippines.

Lastly, I would like to ask the SMSSAFF President and overall chairman of the conference preparatory committee to relieve the members of the golf tournament committee of their responsibilities and to dissolve the committee as well.

Thank you.

Erwin Killip
Chairman - Golf Tournament Preparations Committee.
 

Lambert Sagalla
Overall Chair
Conference Preparations Committee,
3rd SMSSAFF sponsored SMSS Alumni and Friends Conference in
       North America.

• 2nd SMSSAFF Conference Golf Tournament Pictures

• Higlights of the 3rd SMSSAFF Conference
• Report on the 2nd SMSSAFF sponsored golf tournament in North America
• Vespers and Eucharist
• Saturday Morning Activities
  • BOT Meeting: 3rd SMSSAFF sponsored conference
  • Coin Collection Challenge: 3rd SMSSAFF sponsored conference
• Saturday Afternoon Session
• Crazy Night - 3rd SMSSAFF Conference