The 2026 Interstate Golf Tournament IGT in Charlotte, North Carolina Album

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

HOT HOT HOT! The heat and humidity was akin to that of Manila weather on a sweltering June day in the Philippines, but this was Charlotte, North Carolina, and jackets were quickly shed as we trudged off to get our van rental after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport for our five-day short stay. The annual Interstate Golf Tournament or IGT was started in the 1990’s by fun-loving golfers from the states of Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia. They were Dr. Henry Eugenio from the Phil-Am Golf Association of Kentucky (PAGAK), Domie Lico & Roy Espino of the Asian American Golfers of Illinois (AAGI), Dr. Rene Santa Ana and Dr. Apollo Lirio of the West Virginia Golfers Association (WVGA), Mr. Tony Bolinao of Missouri, and Ohio physicians who have since passed. Dr. Henry Eugenio has since passed, but his son, Dr. Jonathan Eugenio has taken over the reins and is making sure his father’s golf legacy is alive and well in his son Jack and the rest of his golfing family members. Mr Domie Lico and Roy Espino of AAGI have health setbacks and cannot play, both are in their late 80’s, Mr Tony Bolinao has retired in the Philippines, the West Virginia group is on hiatus, and the Ohio group has left IGT back in the 90’s also.
We are lucky that Lhet Mendoza of North Carolina, upon the invitation of Dr Jon Eugenio, decided to join IGT back in 2015, and has managed to expand the membership of the Carolinas International Golf Association with the cooperation of Bert Rodriguez, and the rest, they say is history.
Playing golf is relaxing, challenging, and infuriating all at the same time, and that is exactly the appeal of this game to millions of players that love the game that they also hate. Putting together a big tournament is not easy, so we tip our hats off to CIGA for hosting this year’s IGT event and attracting at least 70 players to compete at the Tradition and Highland Creek golf courses, both in the Charlotte area.
The Asian American Golfers of Illinois arrived two days prior to the official games, played a practice round the day before the Labor Day outing.

Only two groups managed to play all 18 holes. I quit the front nine because I felt like my insides were on fire and that no amount of cold water or Gatorade can give relief from the brutal temperature that day, a high of 95 but with a heat index of 104 F. Thankfully, the thunderstorm that night cooled off the rest of the weekend and we played with no other weather incidents. except for a couple of random showers.
This year’s 2026 OVERALL IGT TEAM CHAMPION is our hosting team, and “Bridesmaid” for 11 long years is North Carolina’s CIGA and TFGA or the Tri-Filipino Golf Association led by Tony Talamera of Raleigh, North Carolina. They joined forces and came up with the winning formula. Other notables were Kentucky PAGAK for second place, and AAGI for third. Please enjoy our winners gallery and team pictures and for those of you who want to join us, this tournament happens every Labor Day weekend, and we would love for Illinois golfers to come and experience what golfing with fun and true sportsmanship feels like. It has kept us going every year and continues to make us feel that we have friends on and off the course. Congratulations to all the winners!

The North Carolina wives man the registration desk on Day 1 of the IGT.

AAGI players (L-R) Bently, Francis, Don, Brent, Larry & James on Day 1 of the IGT tournament.

Day 2 & ready to rumble are AAGI players in teal uniforms from L-R Don Reyna, Clive Merrill, Jessie Magsino, Girlie, Ed Ranchero, Ching Schneider, Brent & Bently Pascual with the Kentucky players in sky blue outfits.

Asian American Golfers of Illinois or AAGI on Day 1 of the IGT.

The host team CIGA Carolinas International Golf Association and the 2026 Interstate Golf Tournament Champions – congratulations!

The Phil-Al Golfers Association of Kentucky or PAGAK on Day 1 of the IGT.

From Left to Right are the Asian American Golfers of Illinois or AAGI, the hosts are the Carolinas International Golf Assoc or CIGA and the Phil-Am Golf Assoc of Kentucky or PAGAK leagues.

Give the golfers lawn chairs and bourbon and they’re all set to watch the players come in.

The spectacular Highland Creek Golf Course in Charlotte NC did not give golfers an easy time – tough & beautiful.

AAGI Pres Joe Molina with Bently Pascual in front, (L-R) Brent Pascual, Rowell Plata, Larry Fong, Francis Bernasol & Miki Pascual enjoy the awarding of prizes.

CIGA Pres Bert Rodriguez wins 3rd place Low Net Class B.

Overall Low Gross IGT 2026 Champion Earl Bonoan with AAGI’s Larry Fong and CIGA Pres Bert Rodriguez share a moment before teeing off.

It’s a family affair! With Dodjie & Brent Pascual, Lolit & Ed Ranchero & JP & Lyn Ferrer with Baby Nica & Ate Pia travels with the AAGI players and loved ones.

At the Tradition Golf Course in North Carolina AAGI golfers with Lhet Mendoza VP and Cip Onia of CIGA.

The North Carolina Team wins the 2026 IGT trophy for the first time in 11 years!

Filipino American golfers were entertained by the well known Tinikling dance.

Filipiniana dancers add grace and beauty to the awards banquet.

AAGI enjoys downtime in Charlotte NC.

A little AAGI powwow upon arriving at the TRU Hilton Hotel in Charlotte.

The foursome of the 2026 Interstate Golf Tournament (L-R) James Dela Cruz AAGI, CIGA Pres Bert Rodriguez with VP Lhet Mendoza & PAGAK’s Dr Jonathan Eugenio put together an awesome game – congratulations!

Hungry golfers after the round and before the awards ceremony.

Kentucky golfers belt out a country song as their fun number