Southwoods-Masters seeks fifth straight PAL ladies crown

MANILA, Philippines - With an intact roster, Manila Southwoods-Masters is tipped to dominate the field again and extend its reign to five years when the Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team tournament gets going in Bacolod City next week.

“We are definitely going for our fifth crown,” said Masters playing team captain Claire Ong yesterday.

Ong said the same players that won them their fourth title in Cebu City last year will be back to renew their rivalry with Cebu Country Club.

Aside from Ong, the other members of the squad are Lora Roberto, Sofia Chabon, Abby Arevalo, Missy Legaspi, Annika Guangko, Claudine Garcia and Serafina Kim.

The three-day event, now on its 10th year, will start Oct. 8.

Each of the 19 teams entered will play two rounds under the Molave scoring system at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, which used to be the Marapara layout, which is hosting the event for the first time.

Ong expects Marapara to play longer and tougher but added they’re ready for the challenge.

“We will have our practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday,” she said.

CCC, which lost by a point at the Alta Vista Golf Club last year, will be missing two or three players, according to team captain Mary Kim Hong.

“We’re weaker this year because some of our players are not available,” said Hong.

Aside from the championship division, the other titles to be disputed are the Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship.

Aside from Masters and CCC, the other participating clubs are the Alabang Country Club, Apo Golf & Country Club, Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Bacolod Golf & Country Club, Manila Golf Club, Iloilo Golf Ladies Club, Negros Occidental Golf Club, Pueblo de Oro Golf Team, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf Club, Valley Golf & Country Club, Victorias Golf & Country Club, Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, Del Monte Golf Club, Eagle Ridge (Ladies Group), Davao City Golf and the Club Lady Eagles Australian Golfers – the only foreign-based squad.

A team captains’ meeting will be held Oct. 7 to be followed by the ceremonial tee-off and captains’ tournament.

The event is sponsored by the Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Travelife, Business Mirror, Airbus, Splash Philippines, Wealth Inc. and East Gate Publication.