With a near-insurmountable 20-point lead before the final round, Canlubang played it steady and carded a 239, a two-day aggregate 485 unaware of Luisita had been disqualified because of a rule infraction.
A thorough check of the players’ records showed that Seve Roxas Chua, who was to take the place of Alex Montelibano, was not included in the original roster submitted by Luisita skipper Iggy Clavecilla during the initial team captain’s meeting held in October last year, according to tournament director Buddy Resurreccion.
Clavecilla’s mistake, as stated in Rule 7.1b in the conditions of competition, netted an outright disqualification, not only for the particular participant but the whole team, for fielding in an ineligible player. The team’s scores will no longer be counted in the determination of team standings.
Resurreccion explained that teams are required to submit a roster on the first team captains’ meeting, regardless of the number or affiliation. And from that list, skippers will pick the final 8 who will join the action.
"Since Roxas-Chua qualifies under the circumstance, I have no other recourse but to implement the penalty according to the rules," Resurreccion said.
Resurreccion informed Clavecilla and Richie Garcia, a PSC commissioner and long-time Sugar Baron member, of the disqualification which both players readily accepted.
"It’s an honest mistake. That’s life," Clavecilla said.
"Patay," was the only word Garcia could utter.
Luigi Yulo led the charge for Canlubang this time with 53 points via the Molave scoring system, a one-over 73 in medal play. He highlighted his round with five birdies.
Rolly Viray backed Yulo with 50 points. Two-time PAL seniors winner Tommy Manotoc made 49, Bing Bunye had 45 while Tony Olives came through with 42 in the eight-to-play, five-to count format.
Alabang pooled in 454 (226-228) while Manila Southwoods assembled 444 (225-219) to claim second and third places as a result of Luisita’s disqualification.
Meanwhile, Commission on Election chair Ben Abalos Sr., Pablo Soon and Jose Lim each scored 44 points to power Wack Wack Golf and Country Club to the Founders Division title. Alex Sison had 42 and Taira Takanobo accounted for 38. Orchard finished runner-up.
In the Sportswriters division, Lanang Country Club bagged the title over Paoay and former friendship division champ Maharlika Golf.
Action Asia, Airbus, Boeing, GE Aviation, GMA 7, Honda Cars Davao, INQ7.net, Joey 92.3, Royal Caribbean International, Philippine Gaming and Amusements Corporation (Pagcor), People Asia, Premier Wine & Spirits, Rudy Project, UMBN and Uraya Land Dev. Corp. are major sponsors of the annual event.
A total of 560 players representing 70 local and foreign teams saw action in the three-day event also backed by ABS-CBN International, Fortune Tobacco and Radio Mindanao Network, 96.3 WRock, Asia Brewery, Century Park Hotel, Honda Megamotors, SM City Davao and Tanduay Rhum.