Barons looking forward to next year

CEBU, Philippines – Canlubang wrested dominance back in the Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub on Sunday using sustained firepower in unseating Luisita as the returning Tommy Manotoc led the way in two difficult courses here.

The Sugar Barons posted a 17-point victory over the Lusitans as Manotoc got solid back-up efforts from Cangolf’s trusted mainstays to win for the eighth time in the event serving as the country’s unofficial team golf championship.

Canlubang, needless to say, is looking forward to next year as it tries to again put the pieces in place for a successful title defense that would hopefully spark a string of titles for another dynasty.

Depending on a couple of things, Canlubang could be fielding its most prolific line up next year at a venue to be announced.

Abe Avena, the reigning national seniors champion, missed this year’s tournament because of a rib injury and has a full year to recover, while Manotoc will be trying to use a conventional-sized putter for the first time next year.

Dave Hernandez, Rolly Viray, Tony Olives, Luigi Yulo and Mari Hechanova will all still be there, and if Manotoc and Avena become available, then the Sugar Barons will be a formidable force to crack.

Manotoc’s stint is in question because the belly or long putter will be banned starting next year, and he is afraid that he won’t be as effective using the conventional putter he last used in 1990.

Meanwhile, Men’s Regular action starts tomorrow with Orchard seeking to repeat over a talented field that includes a Cebu Country Club side that always plays its best on home soil.

Orchard ruled the event last year at the Marapara and Binitin layouts in Bacolod and will be playing this year minus John Kier Abdon, who turned pro.

Hotel H20, Travelife, Boeing International Corp., Business Mirror and GE Aviation are sponsoring the PAL Interclub Seniors and Regular Men’s events. Other backers include Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), People Asia Magazine, Whealth Inc., Aerospace, Uniglobe Travelware Co. Inc., Tanduay Distillers and Intercontinental Manila. (PR) (FREEMAN)