COMING from the hype of the historic feat last year, the Cebu Country Club (CCC) is optimistic on its title defense in the 73rd men’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub in Bacolod City on March 4 to 7, 2020.
The team stays positive despite losing three of its key players from last year’s historic run, when CCC became only the second team in PAL Interclub history to win the overall championship while playing in the Founders Division.
“Well to tell you honestly, we’re still cherishing the victory last year. It’s already a year but whenever the PAL topic comes out we still talk about our historic run and the things we pulled off last year,” said team captain Bayani Garcia.
“The fire (to compete) is definitely there,” he added.
CCC will be missing the presence of former captain Marko Sarmiento, Marc Gonzalez and Pio Neri when they defend the overall championship in a city that they did not have much luck in the previous years.
“It’s a solid core and a big hit for us to lose one of the top scorers last year. Situations arise and life comes up. People can’t always play golf all the time. It is what it is,” he said.
But CCC is determined to buck the odds and make another run at history.
“Honestly, Bacolod City was not that kind to us in the last few stagings. We haven’t won in Bacolod in a while. So we are very motivated to win this year. We just came back from our practice trip on Wednesday and Thursday in Bacolod,” he said.
Playing for CCC this year are Jayjay Alvarez, Marco Mendoza, Martin Mendoza, Mark Anthony Dy, Eric Deen, Hugo Saurat, Gio Gandionco, Ferdinand Chua, Harvey Sytiongsa and team captain Garcia.
“The players who have taken the spots are more than capable and qualified to provide scores for the team,” said Bayani, who added that he likes the depth of the team this year. “We’re still getting good quality players from the new ones. Right now we’re feeling optimistic and positive on our title defense, but we’re assuming that all the other teams are preparing also,” he added. (RSC)