CCC's LK Go, Nagai pull off historic feats

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Country Club’s Lois Kaye 'LK' Go and adopted Cebuano, Japanese national Gen Nagai, made history for Cebu as double champions under the same club during the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championships over the weekend at the Langer Course of the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite.

Go reigned supreme in the women’s division while Nagai bagged the men's title after besting a strong field of opposition not only from the Philippines but from other countries.

For Go and Nagai, their victories weren't served on a silver platter as the course was a difficult one. They, however, played wisely to overcome all challenges.

It's the first time in Philippine history that the champions in both divisions came from the same club that CCC President Bob Gothong toyed the idea of having it listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

“They have brought pride to everybody, to Cebu and the country. Perhaps, this is not just the first in the Philippines but in the world history that two members of the club have won at the same time. I even told them it could be a Guinness Record,” said Gothong.

Gothong said what the two top amateur golfers have achieved did not happen overnight. It took them years to hone their skills and be who they are today.

“This didn’t happen overnight. The seeds have been planted a long time ago. Our junior golf program proved to be successful,” added Gothong.

True enough, Go and Nagai gave due credit to CCC’s jungolf program for helping made them what they are now today.

Nagai was only six and Go  seven when they joined CCC’s jungolf program, recalled Joven Neri, former head of the CCC jungolf committee.

“We’re happy that we brought pride to this club because we pretty much owe it to them for introducing us to golf and making sure with the jungolf program that we enjoy golf and develop our passion for it. And obviously, thank you to both my parents and also Gen’s parents for their literally never-ending support. We wouldn’t have made it here without you guys. This win isn’t just for me but it is for everyone, the club, even for Cebu. I’m just happy that we were able to bring it back to Cebu and bring pride to the Cebuanos and show that Philippines it’s not only in Manila, but also Cebu that has good golfers,” said Go.

Nagai, for his part, was just as proud to be part of CCC as it has been his home away from home.

“I felt like I’m more Filipino than Japanese!” said Nagai, who looks forward to joining six to seven more tournaments this year, finish college in the US in May and hopefully turn pro in the near future.

Go, for her part, will return to the US and continue her schooling there. She will also work on her schedule to be able to join the Philippine team in the 30th Southeast Asian Games later this year in Clarkfield, Pampanga.

While Go and Nagai pursue higher goals, CCC pledges to continue what they have started out wayback in the 80’s with its jungolf program under Marko Sarmiento and hopefully produce more international-caliber golfers.

CCC takes pride in the fact that they are able to gather over a hundred jungolfers in its training program and competitions, something that even Manila-based experts are in total awe.

CCC chairman Robert Booth shared that what makes their program successful is the spirit of volunteerism.

“These two are products of a program that is driven by volunteers who are parents and members of the club. And this volunteerism has made them successful,” said Booth.

In the wake of Go and Nagai’s triumph, CCC is  hoping to attract new breeds to try the sport while inspiring the present jungolfers to train even harder and be like the two champions. (FREEMAN)