WITH the blast-off on Monday (Feb. 10, 2025) of seniors play, the much-awaited 76th edition of the PAL (Philippine Airlines) Interclub Golf tournament is on at both the Negros Occidental Golf Club (formerly Marapara) and Bacolod Golf and Country Club (formerly Binitin) in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Del Monte, which made history last year by winning the event for the first time in CDO (Cagayan de Oro) and in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is heavily favored to repeat due to an unchanged lineup.
“We are confident and optimistic we would win again,” said Yoyong Velez, who will skipper Del Monte anew in the 55-year-old and above category. “This team has matured a lot and being intact, that has strong significance in our campaign.”
And Jeric Hechanova, the long-time Luisita captain, agrees.
“Because Del Monte’s line-up remains intact, there’s no doubt that they’re the favorites,” said Hechanova, who said his strategy is for his wards to finish strong in the middle rounds of the four-day series.
“If we intend to win, we need to have a sizable lead going into the final day at Marapara,” said Hechanova, whose Tarlac-based squad is the winningest in seniors play.
That was what Del Monte did last year, building a massive 18-point lead heading into the final round en route to a 17-point cruise to a maiden victory that broke the title stranglehold of Luisita and second winningest Canlubang.
Noting the length of Marapara, Hechanova said he would dispatch his long hitters in the first and final rounds, even as he emphasized that the shorter Binitin layout is a “thinking man’s course.”
I can believe him.
I’ve played Marapara a lot of times, and its length is daunting besides being tree-lined virtually most of the way.
And, yes, Binitin is as short as a baby step, but its complex layout can be deceiving.
Again, as a side event, I and my colleagues covering the event deemed the national team championship will also play both courses for our annual PAL Media golf on Feb. 14-15.
For me, it’s been an annual rite since 1977.
I was in contention last year in CDO just like Edge Davao’s Chito Malabanan until I made a 14 at the ravine-infested No. 4 in the last round.
Use your imagination, please?
For, it’s true: Duffers like me, the swing changes when facing water and, yes, a yawning ravine. Intimidation.