Elmer Saban was once upon a time one of the many ball boys and caddies of the Apo Golf and Country Club – until he turned professional. Turning professional was the only way he could feed a growing family, and playing golf is his only source of livelihood. “Wala man tay laing na mat an, sa golf course ra pud mi ni dako,” said the soft-spoken Saban. He practically grew up on the golf course. The Apo Golf and Country Club has produced top-caliber golfers who were once former bag carriers – take the likes of Marvin Dumandan, Ramil Bisera, Ruben Sasutil, Dante Torres, Ferdinand Aunzo, Demetrio Sanchez, Vivencio Lascuna, Tony Lascuna, Jay Bayron, Joseph Labajo, Cassius Casas and Pablito Bisera. And, don’t forget Elmer Salvador, who only a few days ago won his first Tour victory ever — the ICTSI Sherwood Classic at the Sherwood Hills Golf and Cpountry Club in Trece Martirez, Cavite. He pocketed the top prize of P200,000. Not bad for a former bag carrier. When Saban played at the ICTSI Apo Golf Invitational recently, his wife and daughter followed him from hole no.1 up to the 18th hole, to cheer him on. In that tournament, he earned P22,000 for placing eighth in a field of 43 professionals. A far cry from Salvador’s P200,000. But it will do, for now while the future awaits him. Saban is looking forward to more tournaments and is grateful to the ICTSI top honchos for organizing tournaments that benefit struggling pro golfers like him. “Kay wala pud moy mo sponsor, wala sad mi pangita na medyo dako ang premyo,” he said. The life of pro golfers like Saban is not easy. They must find backers who will bankroll their training (practice), equipment and other expenses. “Swertehan pud, dunay mag support sa amoa,” said Saban, who six years ago helped the Davao team win a gold medal in the Mindanao Games by posting a 15-stroke victory over Bukidnon. After turning professional, Saban campaigned in the Mercedes Benz Masters, Konica Minolta Tournament and recently the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Tour. Saban hopes to improve his performance in upcoming tournaments, not For the sake of increasing his earnings, but to make a name for himself as a professional golf champion, just like the others before him. No doubt, that day will come. If not sooner, then later. After all, Apo Golf and Cpountry Club has earned the reputation of turning caddies into champions. [Moses P. Billacura]
