EXPECT major changes in Club John Hay's Golf Course when the 60th edition of the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament hits the fairways three weeks from now.

CJH Golf Course manager Tim Allen said the renovations at the par 69 Jack Nichlaus designed golf course would surprise participants for this year's staging of the annual golfing extravagant.

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"Definitely golfers will be surprised with our new refurbished golf course," Allen said Friday evening when he said the annual tournament has not suffered any setback despite the pullout of Ad Congress.

Allen is still fearful the renovations would not be finished in time for the opening on November 25.

"We haven't had a good weather these past few days but I assure our golfers this will be finished for the opening," added Allen.

Allen, who co-chairs the event with the Baguio Country Club, said no participants have backed out from the event where he expects one of the largest gathering of parbusters from around the world.

"It seems we have more golfers from other countries than in the Philippines who will participate during the two week event and right now we're still looking for more sponsors to make our golfers happy in the duration of the tournament," said Allen.

"Hopefully we could close the deal with Gatorade, specifically Tiger Energy Drink so golfers would have refreshments during the duration of their game," said Allen.

Organizers are now finalizing the rosters in both the senior and regular competitions as well as the host clubs, which are being spruced up in time for the tournament.

"Everything is in place," said BCC resident manager Shin Paul Chan, who co-chairs the event with Allen. "After four months of preparations, our clubs are ready."

He added there have been no cancellations either by players or sponsors.

The 60th Fil-Am will also be held in commemoration of Baguio City's centennial celebrations.

First played in 1949 between the late Philippine ambassador Rogelio de la Rosa and American dignitaries at the former rest and recreation center, the Fil-Am has grown to become one of the biggest amateur golfing events in the world.

Five years ago, the Fil-Am put up the senior division for 55-year-old and above.

Since then it became a two-week tournament where more than 1,000 players compete for golf supremacy and fellowship.

The seniors division will be held in the first week with the regular competition capping the event the following week. (Roderick Osis)