The Benilde Golf Team claimed the first-ever NCAA Golf Tournament Championship on May 21 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, the Benilde Golf Team reflected on the determination, accountability, and teamwork that transformed a two-year-old program into the league’s first golf champions. 

In January 2024, the program consisted of only three players with no more than a shared vision. Within weeks, the roster expanded as more golfers discovered that Benilde was building a team. What began as an uncertain experiment would eventually become one of the College’s most historic athletic achievements.

More than a roster

For team manager and ID123 student from the Governance and Public Affairs (AB-GPA) program Vitto Neri, the greatest transformation wasn’t measured by the trophies or accolades but by the people who earned them. “If I were to evaluate [whether] our first lineup could win against other NCAA schools, [I would’ve said] no,” Neri admitted. “We were still a very fresh [team].”

Instead of relying on experience, the program focused on consistent improvement. Neri watched teammates, who once doubted whether they even belonged, gradually develop into athletes competing at the collegiate level. 

“[We were] shocked when we realized there were three people from the original lineup that played in the NCAA. We saw the progression. That’s one of the beautiful things about sports—you never really know what can happen in two years [if] you keep putting in the work,” he proudly shared. 

Although golf is viewed as an individual sport, Neri believes their historic championship was built on the team’s camaraderie. Business Administration Major in Computer Applications (BSBA-CA) alumnus CZ Adrineda echoed this sentiment, agreeing that the players’ trust in one another and shared commitment helped carry the team throughout the tournament. 

Neri also shared what lesson he held close to his heart, “People say that if you work hard, good things will happen. I know and I’ve seen what it takes to win.” 

Character above championships

While talent brought players onto the course, former Philippine Golf Tour professional and Benilde Golf Team head coach Kris Etter believes character ultimately determined who finished on top. 

Rather than overhauling techniques before the tournament, Coach Etter concentrated on building his players’ confidence. “They already [had] the skills to play at a high level. It [was] just a matter of allowing the athlete from within to shine… [I also gave] further assurance that each of them has what it takes to win.”

More importantly, he expected accountability from every player, both in performance and attitude. “I will accept a lapse in skill, but I will never tolerate [a] failure in character. You must always maintain [a] relentless mindset to reach new heights. I think this applies not just to golf, but also to life. This manifested in [the] way the [team] never gave up until the very end.”

Compared with more established schools, Benilde had limited access to golf courses and training facilities. The team had to maximize every opportunity they received, embracing the role of underdogs instead of using it as an excuse. 

“We made use of what we had,” Coach Etter said. “Even though the other teams were a lot stronger, they had an advantage because they were given access to golf courses whenever they wanted. [We weren’t] given a silver spoon to just practice whenever we like.”

For Coach Etter, winning the NCAA’s inaugural title was only the beginning, “We are very, very proud to be the benchmark. We will keep raising the bar for everyone else.”

Setting the standard

Coach Etter likewise encouraged aspiring golfers to take on the challenge of representing Benilde, “If you’re ready to take on the challenge, this sport is going to test you mentally and physically. But if you're up for it, please consider [joining] and see how far you can go.” 

Being the first champion carried a different kind of weight. Future NCAA golf teams will look back at Benilde as the program that established the benchmark. What began with three players willing to take a chance, has now grown into a strong team built through countless practices, difficult losses, and shared accountability. 

The inaugural championship may be remembered as Benilde Golf’s greatest first. But for the team that built it from the ground up, it marked only the beginning of a legacy they hope future generations can continue blazing forward.