Garcia: Time to play golf

MANILA, Philippines – Walking away as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission doesn’t mean that Richie Garcia is turning his back on Philippine sports.

Garcia, who served the PSC for nearly 14 years, first as commissioner and then as chairman, said he might consider joining the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

The NGAP is the governing body for golf in the country. Being an avid golfer, a very good one, Garcia has even toyed with the idea of heading the NGAP.

“I can go back to the NGAP. We’ll see. If I can get to be elected as director then I can be elected president,” said the native of Bacolod City.

Garcia will soon step down from the PSC, which he first joined in 1998, to pave the way for the re-entry of Butch Ramirez as chairman.

“But I will still be around,” said the gray-haired official, who has started clearing the chairman’s office of his personal things, including memorabilia he has collected through the years.

“It takes time to haul everything,” he said.

In a meeting with Ramirez the other day, Garcia promised to be of help to the agency, even when he’s no longer part of it.

“My long experience in the PSC is an asset. I can share with anyone whatever I’ve learned being part of the PSC for 14 years,” he said.

Garcia is the first PSC chairman to serve a full six-year term.

The 70-year-old Garcia will be in Rio de Janeiro to cheer on the Filipino athletes as they vie for medals from Aug. 5 to 21.

By that time, he may no longer carry his PSC badge, but said he’ll be there to support the Philippine campaign.

Garcia said he plans to spend time in the United States before coming home from the Olympics. Then he said it’s back to his first love – golf.

“Iggy (Clavecilla) and I can play golf everyday,” he said, referring to his golf buddy, who’s also stepping down as one of four PSC commissioners.

“I can play as much as I want and ride my bikes. I also can grow my hair long once again,” said Garcia, a Harley Davidson fan.

“But I will still be visible,” he said.

He was asked if he would miss the Philippine Sports Commission.

“If my golf game is good, I won’t miss it,” he said.