Mabuhay Miles Elite golf set Dec. 1

The 2014 Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational golf tournament tees off Dec. 1 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite with a field of about 250 business leaders and corporate chief executives.

Dubbed “Christmas Par Tee,” the event is the latest staging of the annual competition for Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler members of Mabuhay Miles, the frequent-flyer program of Philippine Airlines.

It will mark first time in its 22-year history that the Invitational will be played in December. Until this year, it was always held in November.

Another cause for good cheer is the tournament’s rare return to Manila Southwoods, one of its most challenging venues.  The sprawling 140-hectare layout, home to two par-72 championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, last hosted the Invitational in 2010 and, before that, in 1999.

Southwoods’ Masters and Legends courses have also hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, including the Philippine Open four times in the 1990s, as well as the 1996 World Amateur Golf Team Championship where a young Sergio Garcia led Spain to the bronze medal.

Shotgun start is at 7:30 a.m. at both courses, with registration opening at 6 a.m..  The ceremonial tee-off, to be led by PAL president Jaime J. Bautista, will be at  hole number 10 of the Masters course.  The System 36 handicapping format will be used.

As in previous years, the list of players comprises a virtual who’s who of the business community—company presidents and CEOs, senior executives, top professionals and power brokers. They will be grouped into Classes A to D, based on handicap, and the Ladies’ division.  A new Seniors’ division for male players 60 years old and up, will be making its second appearance this year.

A wide range of prizes await the winners, including round-trip business-class tickets to choice PAL destinations, trophies, golf accessories, stays at top hotels and resorts, and premium merchandise.

Last year, logistics executive Monchu Nolasco and veteran PAL Interclub campaigner Lino Magpantay engaged in tight duel at the Tagaytay Midlands and Highlands courses to win the top two titles.  Nolasco retained his overall net crown with a 68 while Magpantay settled for the low-gross trophy with a 69. Both will defend their titles this year.