The fifth edition of the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters will return to Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from November 9 to 12, 2017 with a charity initiative to support families affected by an unfortunate incident that occurred in Resorts World Manila (RWM) on June 2.
Organisers of the richest professional golf tournament in the Philippines this season said they were committed to support the people affected at Resorts World Manila through the prestigious Asian Tour tournament.
A fundraising initiative will be undertaken at the tournament where the Asian Tour and its members will be making their contributions to a charity fund set up by Resorts World Manila specially for the dependents of those who were lost.
Proceeds from the fundraising efforts will be channeled to the children and qualified heirs of Resorts World Manila employees and guests affected by the incident.
âThis fifth edition of the Resorts World Manila Masters holds a special place in our hearts,â said Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, Resorts World Manila.
âNot only is it the final edition of the RWM Masters, it is also in loving memory of the employees and guests we lost during a senseless incident in June. By integrating a charity component into the tournament this year, we stand by our commitment to honor our dear departed whilst helping those they left behind move forward.â
Josh Burack, CEO, Asian Tour said: âThe Asian Tour stands united with our partners, Resorts World Manila, in the face of the recent tragedy. We deeply feel aggrieved for the families affected by the incident and hope to do a small part through this fundraising activity at the Resorts World Manila Masters. We hope this will bring some measure of relief to the families.
âThe Asian Tour players are committed to support this wonderful initiative. As we visit so many countries around the world to compete every year and showcase our playersâ talents, it is also our responsibility to support the local communities during challenging times. â
The Resorts World Manila Masters has established itself as a highly popular event since its debut on the Asian Tour in 2013.
As the most lucrative full-field Asian Tour event, the Resorts World Manila Masters has welcomed worthy winners each year, with Chinaâs Liang Wen-chong (2013), Singaporeâs Mardan Mamat (2014), Thailandâs Natipong Srithong (2015) and Indiaâs S.S.P. Chawrasia (2016) lifting the prestigious title.
The 2017 edition will continue to feature home-grown talents as well as the best players from across the region at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, which has hosted the tournament every year.
Amongst the leading Filipino golfers tipped to compete for the Resorts World Manila Masters title include the likes of Angelo Que, Miguel Tabuena and Antonio Lascuna.
As the tournament is staged towards end of the 2017 season, it will also play an important role in shaping the race for the prestigious Order of Merit crown.
American David Lipsky currently tops the Merit list, followed closely by Chawrasia, who is the defending champion of the Resorts World Manila Masters.
The Resorts World Manila Masters will also continue to receive Official World Golf Ranking points with the champion receiving a minimum 14 points, apart from the US$180,000 winnerâs cheque.
Photo caption:
(fourth from the left)
Jeff Kimble, Commercial Director, Asian Tour
Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, Resorts World Manila
Robert SobrepeĂąa, Chairman, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
