Solid Luisita opens repeat bid in PAL Srs

Luisita Golf Club wrapped up its practice rounds at Marapara yesterday, upbeat of its chances for another crack at the championship in the 32nd Philippine Airlines Interclub golf team championships which fires off today in two courses.

“We have a strong eight-man team and everyone’s playing well,” said Luisita nonplaying captain Jeric Hechanova who has yet to pick the four players who will first see action at Marapara, considered the toughest of two layouts hosting this year’s event.

Last year, the Tarlac-based squad took a huge 21-point lead over old rival Canlubang in the first round at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao and went on to win its 16th crown by 11 points.

Canlubang is bringing in Pem Rosal, a club champion based in the US to replace the late Mike Preysler, but the addition is the least of Hechanova’s worries.

“We’re not concerned with Canlubang, we’re not concerned with anyone else,” Hechanova said. “What we are concerned about is ourselves.”

With an intact roster, Luisita remains the team to beat in the four-day event that will also be played at Binitin, a wind-swept course.

“Luisita is very strong, but we will be there fighting,” said Canlubang veteran Rolly Viray, still mindful of Canlubang’s poor opening round that cost them the title last year. “We certainly don’t want a repeat of that.”

Del Monte Golf Club is the only other team in the elite championship division.

The four-to-play, three-to-count format event also features competition in four categories – Founders, Aviator, Sportswriters and Friendship.

Action in the Founders is expected to be tight among defending champion Orchard, host club Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Manila Golf Club and Cebu Country Club.

Also returning to defend their titles are Aviator ’s Alta Vista, Sportswriters’ Iligan and Friendship’s Lumbia Golf Club.

A total of 95 teams, including entries from the US and the Middle East, are seeing action in the event that serves as a prelude to the 71st PAL Men’s Regular Interclub championships next week.

Backing the annual event are Platinum sponsors Primax Broadcasting, RMN and Fox, while major sponsors are BusinessWorld Publishing, Rolls Royce, TV5, Philippine Standard with Boeing, Under Armour, Eton Properties and Asia Brewery as other backers.