Golf will make its historic debut in the NCAA Philippines on May 20 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, as the collegiate league expands its calendar to include Olympic sports.

The one-day tournament will feature eight schools—Mapua, San Beda University, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, College of St. Benilde, University of Perpetual Help, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Arellano University—with the University of the Asia and the Pacific joining as a guest team.

San Sebastian and Lyceum have yet to confirm participation, while around 100 players are expected across team and individual events.

San Beda’s Atty. Jonas Cabochan said the initiative was strongly supported by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, who pushed for the inclusion of sports where Filipinos have excelled internationally.

Gregorio praised the NCAA for quickly adopting new disciplines, saying speed was key in developing the program.

“As I’ve been saying, ‘speed is better than perfection. Gusto ko mas mabilis kaysa perpekto. I want to thank both the NCAA Board and NCAA ManCom for what they are doing is really commendable,” said Gregorio

NCAA officials said the move is part of efforts to broaden opportunities for student-athletes.

The event, in partnership with the Pilipinas College Golf Series, will use a six-player format with four scores to count. Organizers also aim to promote golf, traditionally seen as an elite sport, to a wider student base.

Alongside golf, boxing, aero gymnastics, and weightlifting are also set to be introduced in Season 101.