Golf: Cebu Country Club out to crash Luisita vs. Canlubang rivalry

BACOLOD — Perennial rivals Luisita and Canlubang are expected to have a new challenger in Cebu Country Club when the 28th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Team Championship fires off on Thursday.
            
CCC welcomes the entry of Jeric Hechanova, a former Ateneo basketball amateur standout who ventured into golf after college. Hechanova is debuting in the first week of the Interclub as a senior.
           
Hechanova, the general manager of CCC, is hoping to help his team snag a breakthrough win in the premiere championship division against 13-time champs Luisita and four-peat seeking Canlubang.
            
Competing in the Founders’ division previously, CCC ran away with the title, but fell 13 points short of contending for the overall crown.

Luisita is also parading Eddie Bagtas, a former professional champion who reverted back to amateur status. Others in the team are Francis Gaston, Iggy Clavecilla, and Bong Sison among others.
           
 Canlubang, which defeated Luisita last year in Cebu, will be led by regulars Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Dave Hernandez and Tony Olives.
            
A week after the seniors competition, the regular men’s play opens with a total of 77 teams, including some from the US, Middle East, Australia and Canada, with the Marapara and Binitin courses as the host venues.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentebella and PAL marketing head Rufino Fermin II have been invited to hit the ceremonial balls on Tuesday. - AMD, GMA News