Canlubang completes historic PAL Interclub title win

MANILA, Philippines – Canlubang made history on Saturday after it won its fourth straight crown and 16th overall in the regular men’s division championship over newcomer The Country Club (TCC) in the 62nd Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub in Davao City. The Sugar Barons of Canlubang scored 141 points via the PAL system for a 551 total for 72 holes. It was nine ahead of TCC which carded 142 markers at the Apo Golf Club. Jhonel Ababa poured in 38 markers in a huge effort highlighted by three birdies as against a lone bogey. He was supported by Zanie Boy Gialon’s 37, Mark Fernando’s 36, and Dave Hernandez’s 30. TCC was led by the 37 of JR Tanpinco, 36 of Peter Villaber, 35 of Art Arbole and the 34 of Ferdie Aunzo. It was a fitting end for the defending champs as they foiled another challenge for the title, especially against rival TCC, whose players come from the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) amateur stable. “When we built a 10-point spread after the third round, I knew we had it in the bag," said Canlubang captain Luigi Yulo. For TCC, the experience this year is something that it could use in succeeding PAL Interclub tournaments, beginning with the 63rd edition at Cagayan de Oro next year. “We’ll have to try harder in 2010. We played good but we lost to a better team," said TCC skipper Freddie Mendoza. Over at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Cebu Country Club ran away with its eighth title in the Founders division after it assembled 128 points for 498. Davao was the runner-up with 118-450 followed by Forest Hills with 110-441. – GMANews.TV