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Our inaugural Tatler Golf tournament set a new benchmark for the game—stay tuned for what’s next in 2027
On June 15, over 136 golfers made their way to Sta Elena Golf and Country Club to take part in Tatler Philippines’ first-ever sports event. This year, we proudly launched Tatler Asia’s inaugural Tatler Golf Classic, celebrating a beautiful sport through a day filled with meaningful connections, friendly competition and thoughtfully curated activations.
The day began in the club lobby, where players registered and collected their gift bags, which included a custom Tatler Golf Classic tote, a hat, a water bottle from Sunnies Flask and a toiletry kit by For Keeps. A hearty breakfast spread welcomed each athlete as they prepared for the game ahead. Friends excitedly reunited with their flight-mates and lit up with surprise as they spotted familiar faces around the room. After grabbing a bite, many headed straight to the driving range to warm up and perfect their swings before the tournament began.
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The programme officially commenced as our host Anne Gauthier took to the floor beside our photo wall, a stunning Lexus display and the coveted Club Car hole-in-one prize. After gathering players for a lively group photo, she welcomed Isabel Martel Francisco, deputy editorial director of Tatler Philippines, to say a few words before the ceremonial tee-off.
“This is a very special day for us as we launch our first-ever sports event, and we couldn't be happier to be hosting it here at Sta Elena Golf & Country Club. It’s really quite exciting to see all your faces here in such a different setting,” she shared.
The ceremonial tee-off followed, led by Patricia Henson, Derek Ramsay and Ernest Cu. Each enthusiastically took their shot before golfers proceeded to their assigned carts and holes. At 9 am sharp, Francisco pressed the shotgun start button, and the tournament officially got underway.
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Bathed in sunshine and framed by Sta Elena’s lush rolling fairways, the course was in pristine condition for a day on the greens. A warm yet welcoming breeze swept through the property as golfers made their way across the course, discovering a host of surprises waiting at various tee houses.
Lexus, our lead sponsor, showcased a gorgeous vehicle display at Tee House 7 alongside a Pinkerton ice cream cart serving refreshing sweet treats throughout the day. Hole 7 was also home to a special hole-in-one prize: an all-inclusive two-night stay for four at Nay Palad. While no player managed an ace at the designated hole, Sean Harley delivered an unforgettable moment elsewhere on the course, sinking a hole-in-one on Hole 2 with his very first swing of the day. His remarkable shot earned him a stay at our Tatler Best Destination Hotel 2026, Nay Palad.
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Over at South Links’ tee house, our Gold Partner transformed the venue with elegant cream cocktail tables and two food and beverage carts: a refreshing Pure Nectar juice bar and a toothsome Dim Sum Manila station.
Our partner Diageo also delighted guests with free-flowing Johnnie Walker Blue Label and an array of invigorating cocktails, including margaritas, palomas and strawberry highballs.
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As the day progressed, clouds soon gathered overhead and the weather ultimately forced play to be suspended. Due to nature’s intervention, we were unable to complete the tournament and determine winners for the Division A, B, and C categories. However, several special awards were still presented, including Most Accurate Drive, awarded to Mark Ronquillo, and Nearest to the Pin, won by Lota Nemec. The titles of Most Stylish Man and Most Stylish Woman went to Miggy Cruz and Cath Sobrevega, respectively.
Following quick showers and outfit changes, guests made their way to Lake Hall, which was tastefully decorated with beige tablecloths and floral arrangements by Fig and Vine. Appetisers and free-flowing drinks circulated around the room before everyone sat down to enjoy a three-course meal as the awards presentation and raffle draw got underway.
Golfers eagerly awaited the announcement of raffle winners, with prizes ranging from a beautiful Jewelmer pearl necklace to overnight stays at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, Hotel Okura, and Solaire Resort. We also raffled off weekend getaways to Amorita Bohol, Puerto Princessa, and Crimson Boracay. Dining experiences at East Ocean, Brontë, La Cabrera, Txoko Asador, Your Local and Lazy Suzy were also among the coveted prizes.
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For those with a passion for fashion and beauty, raffle prizes included Lacoste gift certificates, Tumi travel kits, Rudy Project eyewear, Luxe Asia fragrances and Malbon golf bags. Home and lifestyle prizes were equally impressive, featuring a Simmons mattress, Bacarat crystal pieces and Bang & Olufsen speakers.
Though the weather ultimately shortened the tournament, it did little to dampen the spirit of the day. The inaugural Tatler Golf Classic brought together an exceptional community of business leaders, tastemakers, athletes and friends for a memorable celebration of sport, camaraderie and connection. More than just a golf tournament, the event reflected Tatler’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences and bringing together remarkable people in inspiring settings. As Tatler Philippines’ first-ever sporting event, the Tatler Golf Classic marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one we look forward to building on for years to come.
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