CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — Del Monte broke through as a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub titlist in the Seniors division last Sunday, and Yoyong Velez, the lawyer-turned-team builder, vowed that they will stick to the formula that gave them glory.
And that is that no one from this champion team will have a sure slot for next year. Not even Velez himself.
“We’ve always done that and don’t intend to veer away from that formula,” Velez said after the celebrations had died down at Pueblo de Oro. “All those who represent Del Monte will have to go through qualifying. There will be no exceptions.”
Romeo Jaraula scored a 36-hole three-under-par 141 total playing at Del Monte in the middle two rounds. Being the best scorer of the team he naturally deserves to be seeded.
“No,” was Velez’ curt reply when asked if Jaraula will be a cinch next year.
The Del Monte win took the spotlight away from the Luisita-Canlubang rivalry in the PAL Interclub Seniors division.