By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Filipino golfers could be on their way to making a return to the greens amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Games and Amusements Board consultant for golf Oliver Gan confirmed on Thursday that there are plans for local golf events here to take place through a bubble.
"May proposal ang Philippine Golf Tour na yung mga professional golfers natin ay ilalagay sa isang hotel, and then may proposal din sila na may transportation service na ihahatid sila sa golf course," Gan described the said bubble setup in the online Usapang Sports forum by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports.
He further confirmed that six tournaments will take place next year at the top courses in Luzon.
According to Gan, GAB is currently looking at the possible consequences of the said bubble format to the golfers primarily in the logistic side.
"Lahat yun ay pinag-aaralan dahil ang magiging gastusin ng ating mga tour professionals ay lalabas na PHP20,000 kada buwan," he revealed the possible cost of living for the local golfers, which according to him is too expensive especially during this season.
The bubble format has been proven to be successful in keeping the athletes away from COVID-19 as observed in the ongoing NBA bubble in Orlando.
Domestically, the PFL and the Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3x3 expressed their intent to play their respective seasons in a bubble in Carmona and Calamba respectively.
GAB also suggested to the PBA to have its teams be in a bubble for their practices, but the league opted to just wait for Metro Manila to be placed again under general community quarantine so that it can resume team practices.
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