CELEBRITY Ariel Rivera rued about his “terrible golf” but said nice things about the game that has become his passion for many years.
“My golf is terrible,” said the singer-actor after his first-ever stint in the Philippine Airlines Interclub that opened on Monday at the Apo Golf and Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes here.
“I’ve been playing golf for 20 years, but it doesn’t show,” he added, grinning.
Rivera, who popularized hit songs like “Sana Kahit Minsan” in the 1990s, played for the first time as a member of the Tagaytay Midlands in the Aviator Division of the annual tournament that celebrates its 70th year.
He was quick to admit that “it was not good,” as he shot a 26-over-par that was worth 10 points. His scores still counted though in the five-to-play, four-to-score format.
He played alongside Richard Tan, who tallied 23 points, Raymond Unlay (14), Orven Rivera (12) and Joey Solis (9). Other members of the Tagaytay Midlands are Sonny Bitong, Louis Borja, Jang won Kim, Jonas Magcalayo and Yancy Siladan.
Each player has to play at least two in the four-day tournament that put together 90 seniors’ teams and 82 regular teams based locally and abroad.
For Ariel, golf is a passion that has become his escape and respite from pressures associated with his job. He may not be good at it, but there’s no substitute for the joy that it brings.
“Golf is really cut out for individual skills. But now playing in a team, iba ‘yung camaraderie. It’s a wonderful experience,” he said.
Ariel described it like he just got reunited with long-lost friends.
“I set out there today in a flight with players from different clubs and after the 18 holes, it felt like I met my long-time friends again after a long while. It was exciting and I’m very thankful to my good friend Jimmy for inviting us here. I love it,” he said, referring to PAL president/CEO Jimmy Bautista.