Cangolf eyes strong finish against Luisita

MANILA, Philippines - Canlubang faces an uphill battle in its attempt to reclaim the seniors crown it lost to Luisita last year as it primes up for their much-awaited showdown in the Philippine Airlines Interclub in Northern Mindanao starting Feb. 17.

“We have basically the same lineup but we aim to finish strong this time,” said Luigi Yulo, minutes before going out for practice at Cangolf’s south course yesterday. “They (Luisitans) got us last year and we want to improve on that.”

Starring Francis Gaston, Luisita came from behind in the final day at Marapara to nip the Sugar Barons and win its 14th Senior title, the most by any team in the rich history of the Interclub.

Tommy Manotoc, who has led Cangolf in many Interclub wars, will again be at the forefront of the Sugar Barons’ charge at both the Del Monte and Pueblo de Oro courses.

The 61-year-old many-time Philippine team member, also a director of the National Golf Association of the Phils., has not slowed down a bit and is itching to put the elder Barons in the hunt once again in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.

Senior play kicks off the 64th staging of the country’s biggest amateur team event on Feb. 17 and the Barons are bracing up for another down-to-the-wire duel with the Luisitans.

Former Asia-Pacific champion Iggy Clavecilla, sophomore Herminio Maravilla and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia will be at the helm of the Luisitans’ back-to-back title bid.

No other team is expected to crash the Luisita-Canlubang party in Mindanao with the Barons to welcome back World Amateur veteran Dave Hernandez, former Philippine Amateur champ Rolly Viray and Jose Mari Hechanova.

Senior play will have four players seeing action with the top three scores counting in the team event. Players who play in both courses will be eligible for the individual championship.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsor Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel.

Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay. More detailed information on the tournament is available on the dedicated PAL Interclub webpage at www.philippineairlines.com/events/events.jsp.