Seniors event kicks off biggest PAL Interclub

DAVAO CITY — Conflict and security fears take a back seat to sport as the 56th Philippine Airlines Interclub tournament, boasting a record field, ushers in a week-long golfing fiesta in Southern Mindanao with the staging of its Seniors event today.

The three-day Seniors tourney, the traditional Interclub curtain-raiser, was ceremoniously opened yesterday by a bevy of local officials, but actual competition starts today until Feb. 23 at Lanang Country Club and new course Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club.

Hitting the ceremonial tee were Davao Vice Mayor Luis Bonguyan, Samal Mayor Rogelio Antalan, police regional director Gen. Isidro Lapena, Foreign Affairs undersecretary Rolando Libas, Lanang president Roberto Dakudao Sr. and PAL officials Felix Cruz and Domingo Duerme, Jr.

Following the Seniors, the centerpiece Men’s Regular championship will take place from Feb. 26 to March 1, this time at Apo Golf & Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes.

Initially, there was some concern at staging the Interclub while a major military offensive was taking place elsewhere in Southern Mindanao, but any worries over the turnout dissipated when 139 teams — 64 Seniors and 75 Men’s — confirmed their participation.

This is the largest field in the history of the PAL Interclub, surpassing the previous high of 58 Seniors and 70 Men’s teams set last year in Bacolod.

A further sign of confidence is the large international contingent — 22 teams in the Seniors and 31 in the Men’s, both also the most ever. It includes newcomers from Taipei, Guam, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Dhahran.

Among local teams, five famed clubs will make either their debut or comeback in the Seniors Interclub — Eagle Ridge, Sta. Elena, Orchard, Valley and Mactan Coral. All except Eagle Ridge will also see action in the Men’s event.

"Clearly, the prestige and tradition of playing in the Interclub far outweigh any concern our golfers might have. Not that we are taking security lightly; on the contrary, we have left no stone unturned to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable tournament," said Duerme, who is chairman of the Interclub.

He said Davao City was over 170 kilometers from the scene of recent conflict in North Cotabato and that the city was well protected by security forces. "Not a single terrorist incident was recorded during the past several years in Davao City," Duerme assured participants.

Police Gen. Lapena also downplayed the impact of any spillover from the fighting. "The conflict is quite remote to affect Davao. Still, we will maintain a high level of alertness and preparedness to ensure our visitors’ peace of mind. Let me assure you that Davao, along with the entire region, is safe and peaceful."

A PAL security team has been deployed at tournament sites to augment the police presence, Duerme added.

The 56th PAL Interclub is backed by major sponsors 105.1 Crossover, Airbus, ABS-CBN Global, Air Philippines, CNN International, Fortune Tobacco, GE Aircraft Engines, Joey 92.3, MTV Philippines, PLDT, Premier Wine and Spirits, Radio Mindanao Network, Royal Caribbean International, and UMBN/Mindanao Times.

The Marco Polo Davao is the official hotel.

The corporate sponsors are 96.3 WRock, Apo View Hotel and Boeing International Corp.