70th PAL Interclub: ‘The Turf of Legends’

THE 2017 PAL Interclub Golf Tournament is finally here! This year’s motto, “The Turf of Legends”.

Hundreds of participants are now in Davao for Philippine Airlines’ annual festive tournament. This year marks PAL’s 70th tournament. Congratulations!

Participants are here from all over the globe, including four teams from Davao City, namely—Apo Golf & Country Club, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & CC, Davao City Golf Club and Lanang Golf Club.

The friendly competition will start with the Seniors' division on February 22- 25, 2017. After that comes the Men's division which on Mar 1-4.

The courses are ready. The players have already practiced for sure. Out of the four days of play, the players will only be playing 2 days. So, not only are they here for golf, but also for a relaxing vacation.

Okay, little big boys, enjoy your stay in our beloved city, Davao, home of our tough president. Stay nice, not naughty. Smoke only on designated smoking areas please. Remember, our mayor is our president’s daughter. She knows how to throw a good punch. Boom!

I have always had fond memories of PAL Interclub for as long as I can remember. Back in the day when my father, the late Tony ‘Tonygars’ Garcia was still very active in golf, both as a Class A competitor and an organizer. I did not play golf then, but I remember that my Dad would bring us to PAL Interclub competitions for the vacation part of it.

I wish people would view PAL Interclub not just as a competition, but also for the camaraderie part of it, and vacation part of it with family and friends.

And we have Philippine Airlines to thank for this annual opportunity.

Thank you Philippine Airlines, for the 70th time!

Change topic. Ttraveling abroad for golf. When you travel abroad on a golf vacation, one important thing to remember is that--not only should your golf clubs be clean, but also your golf shoes. Other countries are very concerned about getting their produce contaminated. And one source of contamination is the soil.

I remember visiting Australia years ago, and upon arrival, after seeing I brought with me a golf set, I was asked by the Customs officer if my golf shoes were clean. At first, I thought it was silly. But then, it makes sense. Why? Read on.

Since my conversation with the Customs officer was pleasant, and asking a question about having clean shoes was very much unexpected, I thought he was making a joke. Why would he want to know if my shoes were clean—me thinking 'clean'—'not smelly'? I stared at him with a big question mark on my forehead. And then, ‘ting!’ He knew right away I was puzzled. And so he explained why he asked – soil contamination.

If my golf shoes still had soil from the previous golf course I played at, and if that soil were contaminated with some kind of bacteria, then there is a possibility that I could be spreading it over to the next golf course I play at, in their country. Makes sense, right?

Now, if the Customs officer asked you if your golf shoes were smelly, that is a different matter. Haha! The word ‘clean’ is different from ‘smelly’ or ‘stinky’. I guess that was my mistake then. Silly me!

"Oohh, I see. Now I get it. Yes, they are clean.” I replied, with a smile on my face. And he smiled too. And I added, “And they don’t smell too!” And we both showed bigger smiles. And he said, “Enjoy your golf vacation!”

To the hundreds of players that are here in Davao City for the 70th PAL Interclub—

Good Luck and enjoy your golf vacation!