BACOLOD, Philippines — Manila Southwoods kicks off its drive for history as it shoots for a rare four-peat in the Philippine Airlines Interclub regular Men’s Championship unfolding today at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here.
Southwoods, which clinched a treble with a 44-point romp last year, parades a high-powered cast composed of Japanese standout Yuto Katsuragawa, Jun-jun Plana, Kristoffer Arevalo, Aidric Chan, Carl Corpus, Chepe Dulay, Tom Kim, Jama Reyes, Taisei Shimuya and Luigi Wong.
“The boys are motivated,” said Southwoods non-playing captain Thirdy Escaño, whose squad had sent strong warning signals to its challengers by dominating major team tourneys, including the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio last December.
“It’s going to be a tough four days but I’m confident because we left no stones unturned in preparing for this tournament,” said Escaño.
With a three-year reign, Southwoods owns the longest streak in Championship play since Canlubang wrapped up a five-peat in 2010 and it can move one title away from matching that rare feat.
“They all know what’s at stake and they can’t wait to get going,” said Escaño.
Out to throw a wrench on Southwoods’ grand plans are Canlubang, fresh from winning the Seniors Championship last Sunday, Luisita and Del Monte, both former regular tournament titlists.
Cangolf’s talented bunch of Rupert Zaragosa, Lester Lagman, Jose Yulo, Marco Olives, Luis Castro, Gido Mandaranas, Jonas and Jolo Magcalayo, JP de Claro and Carlo Villaroman is poised to snatch the coveted plum that has eluded the club the last eight years.
“Manila Southwoods is still strong but we feel we have a chance for an upset,” said Canlubang coach Boyet Zaragosa.
“They’re still the chief threats,” Escaño said of the Sugar Barons.
Zaragosa expressed belief the battle for supremacy will be decided at the tight Binitin course in Murcia town, which hosts the second and third rounds.
“Whoever plays well in the middle two rounds will have a great chance of winning,” said Zaragosa.
Luisita, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on Eddie Bagtas, Jingy Tuason, Rodel Mangulabnan, Benjie Sumulong, Sean Ramos, Don Petil, Dan Cruz, Luis Guerrero, Leandro Luis Bagtas and Josh Jorge, while Del Monte hopes to draw the best from Arsenio Mondilla, Gil Velez, Joel Bernaldez, Noel Langamin, Julius Langamin, Mellurence Cubillo, Roroy Miñoza, Louioe Dacudao, Romeo Jaraula and Rolando Breguente.