CCC, Zamboanga shine in PAL tourney

AS Manila Southwoods continued its dynastic reign in the championship division, Cebu Country Club, Zamboanga Golf, West Highlands Golf Club of Butuan and Edwin Andrews Air Base pulled off contrasting victories to cap the 75th staging of the Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub golf team championships.

Manila Southwoods scored a 13-point victory over Eastridge, the second straight year both teams finished first and second in the premier division.

Teams from the Visayas and Mindanao also made their mark on the event’s diamond anniversary.

Cebu Country Club led from start to finish capturing the second-tier Founders class with 391, 11 points clear of Del Monte Team 2.

With Bayani Garcia and Jon Joseph Alvarez firing 35 points at Pueblo de Oro, CCC closed with 101 points for 391 points. The other scorer was Harvey Sytiongsa, who carded 31 points.

Del Monte drew 35 from Simon Wahing, 33 from Keith Pagalan and 31 from Mark Ivan Parilla to secure second place with 380, five points ahead of Valley.

Canlubang, returning to the event after an absence of five years, missed a podium finish by a single point with 374.

In the Aviator division, Zamboanga Golf picked up its first-ever title with a come-from-behind victory over Pueblo de Oro Team 2.

Team captain Eldon Elumba sparkled with 36 points to lead Zamboanga’s charge. Other scorers were Andre Lim and Reymond Moises with 26 and 20, respectively.

Pueblo de Oro Team 2 and Team IMG-Tagaytay Midlands finished six points behind with 317 apiece.

Zamboanga completed a rare sweep of the Aviator following its victory in the seniors’ event last week.

Over at Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon, West Highlands rallied with 79 points to complete a sensational comeback from 25 points down in the first round.

Benedict Franco Ramos shot 31 points as West Highlands overtook overnight leader San Juanico Golf Park and Country Club to win by five with 286 points. Other scorers were Anthony Asuncion and Alex Trinos with 26 and 22, respectively.

San Juanico carded 72 for 281 behind John Rey Pactolerin (28), Don Vicente Mate (24) and Edson Malaki (20).

South Cotabato Golf Club settled for third with 263.

In the Friendship bracket, Edwin Andrews Air Base posted a 16-point win over Leyte Golf and Country Club despite being outscored at Del Monte.