TEEING IT UP WITH A&K (By Anthony and Kael Suntay)
McDonalds is one of the worlds most popular brands, and in the Philippines, it’s one of the most successful restaurants.
The company’s President, Kenneth Yang, began as an entry level management trainee and eventually became a store manager, before working his way up the corporate ladder.
He is described by his staff as a leader that is calm, simple, and collected. These are traits that he surely takes to the course because they are also helpful tools in the game of golf.
Its great that the sport of golf, through your GOLF FOR GOOD, is helping a lot of the less fortunate. How did this idea come about?
KY: Inspired by RMHC Global’s successful golf fundraisers, RMHC Philippines started holding golf tournaments to support the literacy of young learners in the country.
Pls talk about the projects you were able to conduct through this golf tournament.
KY: For 26 years, the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Annual Golf Tournament has always been benefiting the organization’s programs targeted to improve Filipino children and families’ well-being.
This year, RMHC Golf Tour’s proceeds will go into supporting Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit, a program that builds safe spaces for young children to learn and play while their parents are at work. The LGU donates the land, RMHC and McDonald’s build the learning center, and the City Social Welfare AndDevelopment Department runs the day-to-day operations.
To date, there are 41 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers in the country and together with McDonald’s, RMHC commits to reach 100 of these safe spaces by 2028.
Previously, RMHC Golf has supported another program for the benefit of Filipino children — Ronald McDonald Read to Learn, a program that teaches beginning reading to grades 1-2 public school children by providing teacher trainings and reading resources. To date, RMHC has over 11,000 public school partners benefitting from Read to Learn.
What are your future plans for the beneficiaries of this event?
KY: George T. Yang, who founded RMHC in the Philippines, has always believed in the power of education to transform the lives of the youth. RMHC and McDonald’s Philippines will continue to support their program beneficiaries by understanding the needs of partner communities and seeking opportunities to become better allies for all young learners.
On a personal note, when did you start playing golf? Who got you into it? Your biggest influence in the sport
KY: My father, Dr. GTY, introduced me first to tennis at around 10 years old and then golf at around 13 years old. I played golf only for like 2 years and then stopped. I took it up again when I returned from taking my MBA age 24. I’ve been playing regularly ever since. My father enabled me to enjoy golf regularly due to his golf club memberships which allowed me a venue to play.
What was your best round?
KY: I’ve shot a 9 hole round at even or below par but I’ve never done it in 18 holes. No chance to do it from the regular tees now but Maybe when I switch to the senior tees.
What’s your confidence club?
KY: The driver. I can hit it straight.
What are your favorite courses? Here and abroad.
KY: I play a lot of golf in the very challenging Wack Wack East Course, I also like Manila Golf for its convenience and Sta Elena for its course condition and challenge.
My absolute favorite golf course is The Augusta National where the Masters is played. I’ve played there twice including their par 3 course. It was an absolute dream come true. I’ve also gone there to watch the Masters.
