Barons itching for Seniors’ redemption

CANLUBANG is gearing up for a tough Seniors battle in the coming Philippine Airlines Interclub in Northern Mindanao as the Sugar Barons aim to reclaim the crown they lost to Luisita in the final day last year in Negros.

“We have basically the same lineup but we aim to finish strong this time,” stalwart Luigi Yulo said, minutes before going out for practice at Cangolf’s South course yesterday. “They (Luisitans) got us last year and we want to improve on that.”

Starring Francis Gaston, Luisita came from behind in the final day at Marapara to nip the Sugar Barons and win its 14th Senior title, the most by any team in the rich history of the Interclub.

Tommy Manotoc, the ageless wonder who has spearheaded Cangolf in many Interclub wars counting glorious Men’s stints, will again be at the forefront of the Sugar Barons’ charge at both the Del Monte and Pueble de Oro courses.

The 61-year-old many-time Philippine team member and now National Golf Association of the Philippines director has not slowed down a bit and is itching to put the elder Barons in the hunt once again in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.

Senior play takes the lid off of the 64th running of the country’s most prestigious amateur team event on Feb. 17 and the Barons are bracing up for another down-the-wire showdown with the Luisitans.

Former Asia-Pacific champion Iggy Clavecilla, sophomore Herminio Maravilla and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia will continue to be the foundations of the Luisita charge.

No other team is expected to crash the Luisita-Canlubang party in Mindanao with the Barons to welcome back World Amateur veteran Dave Hernandez, former Philippine Amateur champ Rolly Viray and Jose Mari Hechanova.

Senior play will have four players seeing action with the top three scores counting in the team event. Players who play in both courses will be eligible for the individual championship.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover , GE Aviation and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsor Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa TechnikPhilippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel.

Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay. More detailed information on the tournament is available on the dedicated PAL Interclub webpage at www.philippineairlines.com/events/events.jsp.(pr)