Another Dabawenyo making waves in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)-Philippine Golf Tour and in the Asian Circuit is Jay Bayron.
Like any other struggling golfer, Bayron started from humble beginnings as ball boy and caddie at the Apo Golf and Country Club.
After a sterling performance as an amateur player, including playing for the country in international tournaments, Bayron turned professional in 2008. His first professional career was last season’s Philippine Tour.
It was a good thing the ICTSI took him and backed him up in all his campaigns.
The 31-year-old Dabawenyo turned professional to fully support his family as this is the only profession that he is good at.
His earnings as an amateur and member of the national team were not enough for the household upkeep and when the right time arrived, Jay plunge into professional golf action.
“What’s important is to play well to attract sponsors. Mao nay secreto sa professional golf,” said Felix Casas, a long-time professional who was responsible for recruiting many Davao golfers to Manila and eventually to the ICTSI golf team.
Bayron’s recent runner-up finishes at the Manila Southwoods and in Pattaya, Thailand has made him one of the early favorites in the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, an 11-leg circuit.
He is also defending his title at the ICTSI-Forest Hills Championship on May 26 to 28 at the Forest Hills Golf Club where P200,000 is at stake for the champion.
“Daghan sa mga taga Davao, mga bata pa gi kuha namo, aron ma training ensakto as amateurs, para inig gusto na mag professional, maayo na gyud para dunay saktong income para sa pamilya,” Casas said.
Jay hopes to win more titles this season and make his wife, who is in the family way, happy. [MOSES P. BILLACURA]
