THE Villaroman Golf Academy (VGA) has taken a major step in advancing Philippine golf after securing official accreditation from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to certify coaches nationwide.
Founded by Philippine golf legend Carito Villaroman, the academy formally visited the GAB Central Office in Makati to finalize the approval—marking a pivotal transition from developing players to shaping the next generation of professional golf mentors.
“Instead of just teaching athletes, VGA will now have the authority to train and certify coaches. This ensures that future golf instructors will not only be skilled but also carry professional-level credentials,” Villaroman said.
Villaroman, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest golf exports, is credited for mentoring LPGA campaigner Bianca Pagdanganan. His own playing career is decorated with achievements: he captured three world junior titles (1983, 1985, 1986), including an 11-shot victory over Phil Mickelson in 1986. His winning total of 15-under-par 273 at Torrey Pines remains untouched to this day, a feat that not even Tiger Woods could surpass.
By age 15, Villaroman was already Asian junior champion (1983) and Philippine national titleholder (1984). He later became the first Filipino to earn an NCAA golf scholarship, playing for Weber State University in Utah, where he reigned as the school’s top golfer for four years. His third-place finish in the 1986 NCAA Championships remains the highest ever in Weber State and Big Sky Conference history.
GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera hailed the accreditation as a “game-changer” for the sport.
“Raising coaching standards is key to strengthening the entire ecosystem of the sport, from grassroots players to elite athletes,” Rivera said.
The accreditation is expected to bring wide-reaching benefits: coaches will gain government-recognized certifications, players will receive higher-quality instruction, and the local golf community will expand in professionalism and talent development.
During the courtesy visit, Villaroman was joined by Michelle Villaroman, Rodrigo Cuello, Francisco Carrao, and Julius Ceazar Baranghay. They were welcomed by Chairman Rivera, along with Atty. Erose Marlo C. Laeno, Chief of the Legal Division, and Dr. Oliver O. Evangelista, Officer-in-Charge of the ProSports Division.
