GOLFERS WELCOME PAL INTERCLUB RETURN

ALL THE COUNTRY’S TOP GOLFERS HAVE PLAYED THE INTERCLUB.

The golf community was abuzz following reports that the Philippine Airlines Interclub golf team championships will be revived next year with Cebu City as the likely venue.

“It’s definitely one of the best news we received. This is good for Philippine golf,” said sportsman Tommy Manotoc, one of the Interclub’s legends.

Manotoc said the Interclub plays a big role in the development of talents.

“All the country’s top golfers have played the Interclub, a team tournament that brings out the best in every player,” said Manotoc, a mainstay of multi-titled Canlubang.

Manotoc, former president of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, said he will continue to participate in the senior division.

Rolly Viray, Manotoc’s teammate, said he, too is excited about the Interclub return. “We’re ready to play,” he said.

Manila Southwoods, which won five of the last six Interclubs, is ready to defend the title it won two years ago.

“Whether there are tournaments or not, our golf program continued through the pandemic. We have a big pool to choose from. But of course, there are players who we want to play in the Interclub,” said Thirdy Escano, Manila Southwoods non-playing team captain.

Two of Southwoods’ members are now regular members of the Professional Golf Association Tour and the Japan Golf Tour — Korean Tom Kim and Japanese Yuto Katsuragawa.

Katsuragawa powered Southwoods to 26-point victory over Luisita in Bacolod City before the Interclub was shelved for two straight years.

Manila Southwoods is also preparing for the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio City where it hopes to field two five-player teams in the regular division.

Freddie Mendoza, captain of Southwoods senior squad, looks forward to contend with the arrival of Junjun Plana and Joseph Tambunting.

“With the addition of Junjun and Joseph, our lineup has grown deeper,” he said. Luisita is the defending seniors’ champion. Richie Garcia, a former standout of Luisita, has been a regular fixture of the Interclub.

“It’s definitely one of the tournaments I always look forward to every year. Next year won’t be an exception,” said the former Philippine Sports Commission chairperson.

Garcia said golfers are hungry for tournaments like the Interclub which draws thousands of participants here and abroad.

“The Interclub is not all about the competition. It’s also about the camaraderie built through the years. It doesn’t stop on the course. It extends outside where we talk about the good times while having a drink,” he said.

The Interclub hosts the local economy of the cities that usually host it — Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Clark. Many participants also bring along their families and friends and help bring revenues to businesses — hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, resorts, golf courses, among others.

In 2019, the event is estimated to have pumped at least P36 million in Cebu alone, according to Cebu-based blogger Nimrod Quinones who is also the general manager of the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

Cebu City is being touted as the venue of Interclub’s return.

There has been no official announcement yet, but everyone is waiting with bated breath.