Cangolf seeks record 17th PAL Interclub title

MANILA, Philippines - Canlubang has firmed up its roster as it tries to become the first team to win 17 titles in the premier championship division of the 63rd Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub golf tournament which fires off in Bacolod next week.

The Sugar Barons thwarted the challenge of newcomer The Country Club (TCC) squad last year to annex their fourth straight crown and 16th overall in what has long been considered as the unofficial national golf team championship.

Bracing for another tough challenge from the TCC crew this year, Cangolf will be pinning its hopes again on holdovers Mhark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, Jerson Balasabas and veterans Dave Hernandez and Tommy Manotoc with support to come from Paul Echavez, Albin Engino and new recruit Jobim Carlos.

The current TCC team, skippered by Freddie Mendoza, had earlier submitted a partial roster which includes national pool mainstays Antonio Asistio II, Rufino Bayron and Peter Villaber and Dante Becierra, Zanie Gialon, Brent Sumampong and JR Tanpinco.

TCC is still in the process of plugging in three available spots left by Ferdinand Aunzo and Anthony Fernando, who both turned pro after last year’s Interclub wars.

The senior Sugar Barons, meanwhile, will also go all out for a fifth straight victory and 13th overall against an equally talented field, including the Luisita golf squad.

Hernandez and Manotoc will probably be in the seniors’ contingent as well. Tony Olives, Luigi Yulo, Philip Brodett, Bing Bunyi, and Mari Hechanova, if chosen to represent the Sugar Barons, are expected to shine too.

Meanwhile, Interclub organizers from Philippine Airlines said that there are 75 regular and 82 senior teams participating in the two-week event presented by platinum sponsors Airbus, Boeing, 105.1 Crossover and Radio Mindanao Network.

The figure is actually down from last year’s total of 150 teams both in the regular and seniors divisions, but the big field still underscores the interest of golfers here and abroad to join the annual PAL Interclub.