NOTHING AND nothing could keep all those who aspired to matter in the country?s highly competitive motoring industry from converging at Tat Pilipinas in San Pedro, Laguna, last Tuesday, November 16, for the First Philippine Automotive Golf Cup. Differences, even idiosyncrasies, were set aside on this auspicious day.

?I didn?t know that golf could bring all of you together,? addressed Philippine Daily Inquirer chairman Marixi Prieto during the awarding ceremonies to the 115 tournament participants, including 19 chief executive officers representing the power blocks of the industry?s vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, luxury car importers, dealers, suppliers and contractors.

Even mega busy tycoons like Alfred Ty, Felix Ang and Pepito Alvarez, found time to drop in to fill their lungs with fresh country air as well as share some light talk with competitors, friends and associates in the business.

Though he didn?t make it to the game proper, Robert Coyuito Jr. lent support, arriving in style with his chopper.

It does help that everyone in the Philippine motoring industry is just standing in wait for the clock to strike the end of year chime before passing out congratulatory pats for chalking surprisingly banner year results despite economic uncertainties and a tougher competitive environment.

This year?s auto industry sales is poised to break the existing record with most, if not all, of the major players reporting sharp increases.

Despite the charmed statistics, 2010 had not been a walk in the park as far as the global industry leaders are concerned. Worldwide, GM had to face the fall-out of its financial bail-out in the US and its consequent restructuring. The formidable Toyota empire too had its share of uncomfortable moments, starting with the shrinking demand for vehicles across developed countries, and later compounded by safety recalls on accelerator and brake problems.

Even the local industry found reason for discord. The lifting of trade restrictions under AFTA were superimposed by new treaties aimed at mitigating perceived shifts in competitiveness, but which supposedly only built additional trade barriers and further uneven playing fields. Shifting interests as a result had led to shifting allegiances.

But enough of the serious stuff. PAGC, at least for the day, gave the industry players an opportunity to forget the daily work grind. In the team play for example, Team Toyota, with its artillery of nine corporate executives, gallantly bowed to Team Ford?s foursome made up of Edmund Yee, Anthony Cheng, Andrei Borromeo and Ryan Lorenzo.

In the individual play, Hyundai?s Leo San Juan carded the overall lowest net, besting by only a fraction of a point Ford?s Edmund Yee who happily accepted honors as Class A champion. The best in Class B was Toyota?s Rommel Gutierrez, while BMW?s Bong Santos grabbed Class C honors.

And to the envy of all, Nissan?s Ronald Olit accomplished that elusive ace on the short, 160-yard third hole with the unlikliest of clubs- a driver.

For an occasional golfer who had to be dragged in to play at the last minute, a flapping golf shoe could not compete with the widest of smiles that came with winning two-not one-golf carts donated by motorsports czar Johnny Tan through his Kart Plaza Manufacturing firm and Club Car.

Pilipinas Shell co-presented the tournament. Lucerne, Sledgers through the Primer Group, Batangas Racing Circuit were the major sponsors while Bosch, Philippine Airlines, Print Town, Red Rock Travel, Winter Pine, Sea Air, Club 357 Boracay and GEC were minor sponsors. The other sponsors were Johnnie Walker, Concept One, Goodyear, Automobile Association of the Philippines, Boracay Sands, Coca Cola, Club 357, Penk Ching of Pastry Bin, Sun Valley Suites, Primal Enterprises, Fuentes Manila, Master Sports, Riz Golf Trophies, Xenon Bulbs, Mothers Detailing, Tuason Racing School and Antonio?s.