The 76th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Invitational, held at Negros Occidental Golf Club and Bacolod Country Club, continues its tradition of fierce competition balanced by the camaraderie among players. The tournament, emphasizing friendship over trophies, attracts hundreds of golfers from around the world and the Philippines.
Fierce competition has always been a highlight in the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Invitational in each of its past 75 editions. The 76th series, now ongoing at both Negros Occidental Golf Club (formerly Marapara) in Bacolod City and Bacolod Country Club (formerly Binitin) in nearby Murcia, is no exception.
But be that as it may, the hundreds who flock the tournament yearly, coming from countries like Canada, Australia, Guam, New Zealand and the US and from home shores, are steeped in observing the event’s cherished tradition: Friendship first, competition second. They trade shots with all their might but when the smoke of battle has cleared, everybody will remain friends. PAL president and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng has fully emphasized that in his momentous message to the participants: “While we ardently aspire to win trophies, it is the sanctity of friendship that should prevail in the end.” Indeed, the PAL Interclub has remained legendary in its avowed espousal of maintaining camaraderie, a virtue that I find so appealing since I first covered the tournament in Cebu in 1977, the unforgettable year when Frankie Minoza burst into the scene as a 17-year-old golf prodigy. Monday’s first round alone typified the tournament’s tight duel for supremacy, with perennial contender Canlubang grabbing a mere one-point margin over Cebu Country Club in the seniors’ Championship division. Del Monte, the surprise first-time champion last year, is five points behind in a tie with Manila Southwoods—a puny deficit since there are still three rounds left. Luisita, the winningest in seniors play, was eight points adrift. The middle two rounds of the four-day series will be played at Binitin, the shorter of the two courses but with a layout deceiving enough to waylay the unwary.A fun-filled contest also dominates the scene in the four other divisions, where first-round pacesetters include Bacolod B in the Founders, PAR 2000 in the Aviator, Pittsburgh in the Sportswriter and Fil Oz Sydney in the Friendship. The same five categories will be contested in the premiere Men’s Regular that begins February 18, with Southwoods seeking a rare “four-peat” in the Championship division in the tournament sponsored by Primax, Asian Journal, Mastercard, VISA, ABS-CBN Global, PNB, SM Bacolod, Tanduay & Asia Brewery and Citadines Hotel. And then there’s the PAL Media tournament Friday and Saturday, a side event for media personalities that I first won in a memorable victory in 1997 at nearby Victorias. The two business class tickets I won (Manila-New York-Manila) remain as the most lavish prizes I have nailed ever. I covet no more. My PAL stint in Bacolod will afford me the luxury again to bond with the power couple in the City of Smiles, Ramon and May Uy of the famous RU Foundry and May’s Organic Garden enclave. It is a doubly special occasion once more since I had just stood as the lovers’ humble godfather during their Golden Wedding celebration only last January 19 that also included Marvin Velayo as a fellow godfather in the company of Pia Velayo and Sol Juvida as among the revered godmothers…This time, the guest list of Ramon and May will include their long-lost buddies, Jake Ayson and LA-based Tony Sisante, and young entrepreneurs, Ricky and Aya Sadiwa.
PAL Interclub Golf Invitational Philippine Airlines Golf Tournament Friendship Competition Bacolod City Negros Occidental
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