Drawing strength from a delegation that had been the biggest the past two years, Eagle may yet find its toughest challenge in its bid for a third consecutive team crown as the other four clubs are launching massive buildups.
The Alta Vista Golf and Country Club of Cebu had already signified its intention to field 18 teams. Orchard has so far turned in 11 while Royale Tagaytay has 10 as the entry roster continues to puff up with only a few weeks to go before the first leg on Oct. 3-5 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Davao.
Participants in the series for clubs operated by real estate giant Sta. Lucia Realty and its various joint venture partners are required to play in all three legs made up of 36 holes round at Palos Verdes, the second leg at Alta Vista and the final stop to be co-hosted by Eagle Ridge and the Orchard.
Organizers have also added a par-3 shootout serving as a side-event at a fifth venue, the Royale Tagaytay, and sponsored by Taylor Made.
The bone of contention in the three-month competition is the Sta. Lucia Cup, the award that goes to the team with the best performance in all the legs. There will be separate team and individual prizes for each leg.
"The excitement is really building up with the way the challengers to Eagle Ridge’s domination are forming their teams. We can also say that the changes we have introduced have created a lot of interest," said Vicente Santos and Winnie Gob, co-chairmen of the Sta. Lucia Tour.
A total of 155 individual and team trophies will be disputed in the Tour.