Del Monte ends Canlubang's PAL Interclub reign

Cagayan de Oro — Until this week, golfers knew Del Monte, with a mix of three veterans, four junior golfers and four interclub rookies in the line-up, as the third most likely to win a championship title outside of the Canlubang-The Country Club rivalry. Now that will change, at least for a year, as the hometown favorite has finally ended Canlubang’s five-year reign and finished off the other challengers at the close of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub regular men’s tournament at the El Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club Saturday. Del Monte was the clear underdog in this year’s 64th edition before the start of the competition with the expected duel between Canlubang and TCC. However, TCC opted not to join which left Canlubang, Cebu Country Club and 2005 champ Manila Southwoods as possible teams that will vie for the crown. But Del Monte finally shed its underdog tag. Del Monte’s pillars accounted for a balanced scoring in the final day as they came through with a combined total of 141 points for a four-day haul of 553 for an emphatic 18-point victory over Cebu Country Club and in the process dethroned Canlubang. Noel Langgamin led Del Monte’s charge with 37 markers, an output equivalent to a one-under-par 71 in stroke play. Unknowns Leonardo Lofranco (36) and Vince Lusterio (35) made up the middle. Clyde Mondilla, the current national amateur champion, checked in with a 33 for Del Monte, which captured its second crown in the championship division. “We had to make the most out of the situation. It also helped us that a new team average system was imposed this year, which, ultimately, turned us to legitimate contenders," said Yoyong Velez, Del Monte’s playing captain. Cebu Country Club and Canlubang finished tied for second on 535s. But the Cebuanos got the better after the tie break. The scores of both teams’ fifth player were taken into consideration. CCC’s Marko Sarmiento shot 30 as opposed to Canlubang’s Rolly Viray’s 28. CCC’s 15 minutes of fame happened on opening day when it grabbed an early lead and was tipped to go all the way. It avoided the “fluke" label on the last day, Carl Almario carded 37, Bayani Garcia contributed 34, and Chucky Hong and Jovi Neri returned with 32 apiece. Canlubang, on the other hand, was led by veteran Dave Hernandez who turned in 37 points. The other scorers were Rupert Zaragosa (35), Jobim Carlos (34) and Migo Ochoa (29). Manila Southwoods, the 2005 winner, wound up fourth with 131-496. Alabang captured the Founders’ division after scoring 119 points over at the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon for a total of 481 points. Rocco Sumabat and Andres Saldana paced Alabang with 32 points apiece followed by Juan Ibazeta (30) and Jama Reyes (25). Riviera settled for second place with 468 points despite a final round 123 points. Scorers were James Wang (34), Pepot Inigo (32), Jon Judan (32) and Al Quintancon/Bobby Celestino (25). Third place with 458 points was Orchard which leaned on King Stehmeier (29), Louie Garcia (27), Mike Mapua (26) and Byron Kyucho (25). Eagle Ridge (108-406) and PGA BC (90-359) won the Sportswriters and Friendship Divisions, respectively. – Adrian Flores, JVP, GMA News