By NIMROD NL QUIÑONES
The 69th edition of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub golf tournament tees off today at the Mimosa Golf Club in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Four Cebu teams are seeing action in the four-day tournament following the five-to-play, four-to-count format and using the Stableford or PAL Points System of scoring.
The four Cebu teams are Cebu Country Club in the Founders Division, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Mactan Island Golf Club in the newly-added Aviators Division, and Club Filipino Inc. de Cebu in the Sportswriters Division.
It is, however, expected to be w wide-open race for the top honors in the tournament especially in the premiere Championship Division where the top contenders are lumped together.
Manila Southwoods is seeking a repeat, but Canlubang and the come-backing Luisita team are also there to pose a major threat. Orchard, host Mimosa and Bukidnon’s Del Monte are also expected to give the title a run.
Cebu Country Club, although bracketed in the second-ranked Founder’s category, is still considered to be a contender for the top title of the annual team event.
Jovi Neri of Cebu Country Club told www.fullpointcebu.com Tuesday night that they would be fielding him, Montito Garcia, JJ Alvarez, Miguel Martinez, and Ferdie Chua for the first day.
He said that among their strongest opponents are Alabang and KGC Golf Club of Melbourne based on the average scores of the players.
Enrico Solon, skipper of Alta Vista said that the first team will be composed of rookie Dr. Jerry Uyheng, youthful Marvin Mendoza, and veterans Wendell Yap, Alex Yeo, and Gabriel Yap.
Mactan’s Asst GM, Retired General Bam Jamorabo said that among those playing for the team in the first day are General Raymund Elefante, Col. Gerry Catindoy, and Sgt. Castillon.
Evans Tumaliwan of Club Filipino said that he along with Razi Razon, Baltaire Balangauan, Peter Militante, and Dominic Gotiong will be the first team.
The Interclub is sponsored by People Asia, Travelife, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Airbus, Business Mirror and Philippine National Bank.
Other supporters are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tanduay Distillers, Asia Brewery, Splash Corporation, RFM Corporation, Goldilocks, Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Robinsons Land and Rolls-Royce.
