Southwoods eyes 5-peat in Luzvimin invit'l

MANILA, Philippines - The Champion Infinity 20th Luzvimin Golf Invitational presented by Pacsports fires off today at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City with Manila Southwoods out to extend its reign to a record fifth straight year against the country’s top clubs.

The three-day tournament, organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP), will have the 19-team field divided into three divisions – Diamond, Ruby and Pearl with the overall crown and the Classes A, B and C titles to be disputed.

Making their first appearance in the annual tournament, sponsored by Champion Infinity and Pacsports, are the Orchard Golf and Country Club and two teams from the host club. Play will be under the Molave scoring format.

Still, focus will be on the Carmona-based squad which thwarted Del Monte to nail their fourth straight championship in the centerpiece Diamond division in Bacolod last year.

Sunshine Baraquiel is again expected to lead the Southwoods’ record drive and defend her individual crown with support from Regine de Guzman and Lora Roberto.

Other teams seeing action are Apo Golf and Country Club, Bacolod Golf and Country Club, Baguio Country Club, Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Davao City Golf Club, Forest Hills Golf and Country Club, Mactan Island Golf Club, Manila Golf Club, Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Riviera Golf Club, Sta. Elena Golf Club, Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club, Villamor Golf Club, and Victorias Golf and Country Club.    

Sta. Elena is the defending champion in the Ruby category, coming from behind to frustrate Negros Occidental for its second straight crown while Bacolod took the Pearl crown over Riviera.