The highly anticipated 74th Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Team Championships had its ceremonial tee-off on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the Alta Vista Golf Club in Cebu City.
After a two-year absence, the country’s most prestigious amateur golf tournament is back, with more than 1,500 players representing 178 mens’ and seniors interclub teams.
“After a two-year hiatus, it is my distinct honor to finally announce the return of our Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub, recognized as the country’s most prestigious amateur golf tournament,” said PAL President and COO Captain Stanley K. Ng in a press statement.
During the ceremonial tee-off, President and COO Ng was joined by the Junior Golf Foundation Philippines Chair Emeritus Tommy Manotoc together with Sam Pagdanganan, Irene Tan, Mayor of Cebu City Michael Rama and Bianca Pagdanganan.
Alta Vista Golf and Country Club, Cebu Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu are the official venues for this year’s PAL Interclub Tournaments.
The prestigious Alta Vista golf course is approximately 500 feet above sea level and occupies approximately 60 hectares amid a 400-hectare residential and leisure development. Cebu Country Club is recognized as the pioneer golf course in Cebu. Club Filipino de Cebu, located about 33km from downtown Cebu City, is known for its narrow fairways and small greens that require tee shots of great accuracy.
“I am delighted to report that a record field of 172 teams are taking part in the 74th PAL Interclub. With our theme “Back to Ignite” to inspire us, we look forward to challenging play and spirited competition for this nearly two-week long event,” said Ng.
Seniors’ Interclub started with 98 competing clubs, led by reigning champion team of Canlubang Golf Club. Overseas teams took up almost half the field, including players from Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, the US and the Middle East, underscoring the tournament’s global popularity among players aged 55 and over.
The Seniors’ Club Tournament kicks off this Wednesday, February 22 with Canlubang Golf Club starting their title defense against a series of opponents led by their archrival of team Luisita.
Meanwhile, starting March 1, this year’s Mens’ Interclub will see seasoned amateur golfers from the Philippines and around the world compete for a combination of fierce competition and unfading camaraderie, with 74 clubs competing this time around.
Manila Southwoods Club will once again defend the Men’s Regular Division title.
Regular men’s events are organized by the Cebu Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu.
A maximum of five players can be used per team, but only the top four count. A player is also limited to two rounds.
Cebu City last hosted Interclub in 2019.
The annual PAL Interclub, considered the country’s unofficial national team championship, has been postponed for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 74th edition of the event is supported by Platinum Sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus and NuStar Resort and Casino.
Gold sponsors include Mindanao Radio Network, Mastercard, Primax, University of Mindanao Broadcast Network, PLDT/Smart and MD Consulta.
The National Bank of the Philippines (PNB), Biocostech and VISA participated in the event as silver sponsors.
Minor sponsors include Bollore Logistics, Manila Standard, Tanduay Brands International and Asia Brewery, while funders include the Ministry of Tourism, Ogawa, Newport World Resorts, Rolls Royce and Boeing.
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