Southwoods opens PAL title defense

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Southwoods Masters kicks off its drive for a fourth straight overall championship as the ninth Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team championships gets under way today at the Alta Vista Golf Club in Cebu City.

Skipper Beachie Abiera heads the seven-player Masters squad, which boasts of top amateurs Sofia Chabon and Annika Cedo, Missy Legaspi and veteran campaigners Lora Roberto, Claire Ong and Christine Naidoo. But the defending champions will miss the services of national player Miya Legaspi although they remain the team to beat in the event.

Last year, the Masters posted a 22-point win over Cebu Country Club at the Rancho Palos Verdes in Davao City.

Manila Southwoods is also fielding in its Legends team made up of skipper Claudine Garcia, Sandy Velhagen, Nini Samaniego, Christine Lava, Yong Mi Kim, Denise Tambuatco, Lita Jumalon and Lani Chavez.

The field has been reduced to 25 teams following the withdrawal of Riviera, according to Interclub tournament director Henry Arabelo.

Competition will be held for two rounds with each team allowed to field as many as eight players with the top six counting for the squad.

Arabelo said a three-way fight looms in the championship division with Del Monte and CCC out to foil Manila Southwoods’ bid.

“I haven’t seen the line-ups yet, but it looks like Del Monte will join the Masters and CCC in the premier division,” said Arabelo, adding that the up-and-down course is in great condition.

Meanwhile, PAL general manager Jimmy Bautista hit the ceremonial drive in yesterday’s formal opening ceremonies of the event sponsored by Boeing, Airbus, B/E Aerospace, Diamond Hotel Phils., Eastgate Publishing, Bluewater Maribago and Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover).