What Makes Up Pinoy Golfing

Filipinos have a way of integrating our signature qualities in foreign influences. Not surprisingly, golf being one of them. There are certain golfing practices or cultures that are uniquely Filipino despite its European origins.

“Mixed Signal”

When a caddie gives the “safe” signal, it usually means that the player can still take a shot.  However, when a caddie in the Philippines gives that signal, it means that the ball is out of bounds. The player must then hit another ball.

Climate

The Philippines being a tropical country directly affects golfing as an outdoor sport. No matter how intense a tournament becomes, we are all under the mercy of the sun beating down.

One of the common practices in the Philippines is to hire the service of an “Umbrella Girl”. The job title says it all. A young female employee assists a player by holding up an umbrella. Umbrella girls became part of the regular staff. Some clubs would have a preference for attractive umbrella girls to maintain their image or brand.

The Caddie

Employment opportunities in today’s golf clubs are open to both men and women. The practice of addressing caddies using the Filipino genderless pronoun, “siya” became common. The Filipino language does not differentiate gender in our singular and plural pronouns. This may seem unfamiliar to foreigners. However, players from English-speaking countries would feel at ease as Filipinos are very competent in the English language.

As caddies perform multi-tasks, it is very much advised that they should be tipped generously. Most golf clubs provide a minimum recommended fee for caddie services. Therefore, it should be clear who will be responsible for giving the tip.

 

Resurreccion, Buddy. “The things that make Philippine golf… so Filipino”. GOLFING PHILIPPINES: The Complete Guide to All the Golf in the Archipelago, Golfing Asia Publications, Ltd., 2001, pp. 26-32.