Wednesday, February 21, 2007 71 teams open bid for title in PAL Inter-Club
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Members of 71 teams began Tuesday the first of two practice rounds in preparation for their bids for team and individual titles in the 60th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Inter-Club championship.
Close to 800 golfers from the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines got the feel of the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here and the Del Monte Golf Club up there in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Those who elected to tackle the par 72, 6,808-yard Del Monte designed by James Richardson and Celestino Tugot played wet rounds as a heavy downpour came in the early afternoon.
Those who played the par 72 Pueblo de Oro had more ideal conditions as they tested it with hardly any wind although the sky was leaden.
The Canlubang Golf and Country Club, which retained the seniors championship last week, is the heavy favorite to win its 13th regular championship division trophy and thus, a sweep of the major crowns -- again.
Expected to provide the most serious challenges are Del Monte and Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
Other team and individual titles at stake are in the Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship Divisions.
"Competition starts Wednesday. Special guests will hit the ceremonial drives," said PAL Senior Vice President for Mindanao Domingo Duerme, the tournament committee chairman.
These special guests are this city's Representative Constantino Jaraula, Court of Appeals Justice Rodolfo L. Lim Jr., Del Monte Philippines assistant general Henry T. Lao and this city's Chamber of Commerce and Industry official Ruben V. Vegafrancia.
PAL president Jaime Bautista and Duerme will also hit ceremonial drives.
"With players with high credentials, we expect another heated bids for the major championships. I wish them luck. I would like to also thanks all our sponsors," he added.
Action Asia, Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Callaway Golf, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Mizuno, People Asia and Royal Caribbean are this year's major sponsors.
The corporate backers are Business Mirror, Fortune Tobacco, GMA 7, Honda Cars Davao, Premier Wine & Spirits, www.inquirer.net and Radio Mindanao Network whose local station DXCC is celebrating its 55th anniversary.
Completing the backers are Century Park Hotel, C-Lium Fibre, Foreign Post, Lufthansa Technik Philippines and What's On Expat Communications.
