KPI golfers, guests, and volunteers pose for a photo before the Kids Philippines Golfing Event | Contributed Photo
STONINGTON, CT—This quiet town in southeastern Connecticut, near the Rhode Island border, is known for its coastal charm and 18th-century historic feel. On a Saturday morning, over 100 golf aficionados recently visited the Pequot Golf Club to participate in the much-anticipated 8th Annual Kids Philippines (KPI) golf outing event of the year.
The golf course, which is close to the fascinating Mystic Seaport, has been the venue of KPI since 2016, features “gently rolling terrain, small undulating greens, and tree-lined fairways. It has uphill and downhill holes, a variety of bunkers, and limited water hazards.”
Avid golf enthusiasts love to go here since it is “one of Connecticut’s most scenic golf courses.” Some players like the course due to its limited major water hazards, but more of bunkers, with only two par fives and four stellar par-3s. The par represents the expected number of strokes to complete each hole.
Kids Philippines Inc.
Cherry Marmes Smyth, KPI’s founder and president, explained that the golf outing is not meant for competitive games where seasoned golfers or low-handicappers can edge out beginners or amateurs in a long mile.
“It is our way of promoting and supporting our humanitarian mission in the Philippines,” she told the Philippine Daily Mirror. “We help public school children with their school needs, such as backpacks, pencils, Crayola, notebooks, and many more. Over the years, KPI continues to support more than 400 young scholars through its scholarship program.
Like in their previous golf outings this year, many have responded to play golf in this town, a popular spot for golfers and those seeking a quieter, more picturesque environment. “Families come to our event — most play golf, women enjoy the scenic beauty of the place and a reunion with friends, and kids have their own activities,” said Cherry.
A shotgun start
This year, as players marched out of the clubhouse to get into their golf carts, the “tournament” began at 11 a.m. in a shotgun start, a format of play in golf that offers a distinctive approach to organizing a golf tournament. Instead of each team commencing at the first tee, all players simultaneously tee from various locations on the course. Players begin from different holes scattered throughout the course.
“This format adds a unique dimension to the event and enhances the overall experience for participants,” said Pete Smyth, Cherry’s tournament director and husband. “Each year, we learn something new, which we delete or add to our program the following year. It is a thrill to organize this event.”
Pete divided the 108 golfers into 27 teams of four players each. As the tournament commenced, each team started on the 14th hole, their first hole, while the 13th was equivalent to the 18th.
A foursome that teed off to break a 4-par course of 347 yards for their first hole got into the green quickly. Another team that started to capture the pin on the 18th hole was the farthest at 530 yards on a par five-course. Other teams, which included first-timers at playing golf, just had fun and laughter navigating the fairway and bunkers. Some found it challenging to have their balls across the water.
There were tee signage all over the course with varied messages and advertisements to add to the fundraiser.
“I love how my wife prepared all these signs,” Pete remarked. Cherry was the overall chairperson of the annual golf outing. “I was responsible for inviting the players and securing the tournament prizes,” said Pete. “Cherry took care of the food and drinks, tents, raffle prizes — the whole nine yards.”
Food, winners, and awards
As soon as teams turned the corner of their 18th hole, players proceeded to the hospitality tent where adobo, pancit, lumpia shanghai (rolls), and ginataang langka (jackfruit) were meticulously set on the table. DJ Chay was the head chef with an army of volunteers who worked by shifts a week before the tournament.
The event was not just about the golfers but also a fun, festive, and relaxing day for the whole family. Most came from Connecticut and neighboring New England states, including avid New York and New Jersey golfers. While players were out at the course, a raffle was held at the clubhouse. The names of raffle prize winners were listed on the giant board, and music of different genres was played while everyone partook in the food.
Molly Kiese won the longest drive for women, while Pat Macaulay claimed the men’s longest drive on the same hole.
Andrew Perrotti, Erika Terencio, Jorelito Terencio, and Reginald Roxas emerged victorious with a remarkable score of 14 under par, finishing with a stellar 56.
In second place, the team of Mike Sinko, Tim Fleury, Boyd Weese, and Matt Crimmins posted an impressive score of 10 under par, finishing with a 60.KPI
Bill Johnson, Ed Coogan, Kevin Turley, and Jeff Barry took third place, recording a score of 10 under par, 60, but they were edged out for third place due to matching cards.
In addition, Andy Watson took home the prize for the closest to the line on hole #3, while Brian McNeil performed well with the closest to the pin (CTP) on hole #6. Other notable CTP achievements included Andre Harriet on hole #9, Ed Coogan on hole #12, and Shane Stewart on hole #17.
KPI accomplishments
Kids Philippines Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2016. The same year, it organized charity events to raise funds for school supplies for 20 young public school students in Lanao del Norte in Mindanao, Philippines. Initially, the proceeds of their charitable causes led to awarding school supplies to 44 deserving children in Lanao del Norte, serving five schools, and establishing two feeding programs.
Today, their humanitarian mission and school supplies distribution in the Philippines have reached many students beyond Cherry’s home province. KPI has five chapters: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Cherry said the chapters have their own communities in the Philippines to serve, but the focus is on serving the needs of children.
According to Pete, KPI plans to build a library for Indigenous People in partnership with the Knights of Rizal of Fairfield, Connecticut, in honor of his parents, Norbert and Eileen Smyth. He has visited the Philippines several times and noted the community needs to be addressed.
Pete has played golf for 40 years, yet he still considers himself an amateur. This has inspired him to host a golf event in support of their charitable projects in the Philippines.
The Smyths extend a heartfelt appreciation and thanks to everyone
“A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our tee sign sponsors, who played a pivotal role in this event. We extend our gratitude to all golf participants, organizers, donors, and especially the invaluable volunteers,” said Cherry.
Cherry also extended a special shoutout to Felina Hassan, Elma Valderama, Laviolette Seward, Djchay Laviolette, Charles Seward, Ronamae Crabtree, Leticia Garchitorena, Edilberta Enrique Barretto, Joanna Rapisura, Lannie Clark, Charito Bawag, Vina Jourdan, Ramil Floro, Cecille Lai, Guiliana Garchitorena, Eddie Manongsong, Cesar Ongoco, Febie Alina, Isaac Barretto, Jairus Floro, Jemil Floro, Jericho Rapisura, Bentley, and Brady Smyth.
“It’s all about the kids,” Cherry declared.
