DAVAO CITY – The 71st edition of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Seniors and Men’s Regular Interclub championships will be hosted by the Marapara and Binitin Country Clubs in Bacolod City starting March 1.
“And unlike in the past, the Men’s championship will see a Sunday ending this year. We have decided to give the field three official practice rounds leading to the opening skirmishes on March 8,” said PAL president Jaime J. Bautista.
Bautista, president of the country’s flag carrier, is expected to hit the ceremonial drive and signal the start of Seniors play on February 26, Monday, at Marapara.
Marapara and Binitin, now known as the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and the Bacolod Golf and Country Club, respectively, are old layouts that vary very much in character but offer the same stern tests of golf.
Luisita and Manila Southwoods are expected to shoot to extend their respective reigns in the Senior’s and Men’s divisions of the country’s unofficial team golf championship.
Canlubang is again listed as the chief threat to Luisita even if the multi-titled Tommy Manotoc is again expected to miss play owing to some family commitments in the United States.
The Seniors field will also have three days to sample both courses, though early reports have it that the Luisitans have already come over to test both layouts and not leave anything to chance.
Southwoods will come into the event as the heavy favorite, more so because Japanese teenager Yuto Katsuragawa has confirmed that he will return to play for the Carmona-based squad. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)
