ORCHARD will be defending its first-ever Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub title later this month minus one of the mainstays that helped the Cavite-based squad triumph in Bacolod last year.
Team officials are chasing junior standout Kristoffer Arevalo to take the place of John Kier Abdon, who turned pro the week after Orchard clipped Alabang at the Marapara and Binitin layouts.
Raymund Sangil, a former pro who is one of the squad’s leaders, remained optimistic of their chances even with Abdon out and whoever they can sign up to take his spot in the team.
“We’re ready and raring to go,” Sangil, also the club manager, said. “Abdon is a big loss, but we’re looking for a talented replacement.”
The Men’s championship will be played from Feb. 25 to 28 at Cebu Country Club and Club Filipino de Cebu, courses of vastly differing characters.
Sangil said Cebu CC, the champion the previous two years, will be banking on course familiarity and would be the odds-on favorite if LJ Go, the former Philippine Am champion, comes home to play.
Go wasn’t with the squad last year and Cebu CC bombed out of contention by trailing big as early as the second day.
Aside from Sangil, the other members of the squad are the veteran King Stehmeier, Ace Stehmeier, Niko Santiano, JP de Claro, Rodel Mangulabnan, TJ Benitez, Aian Arcilla and Paul Salvador.
Senior action actually takes the lid off the tournament from Feb. 19 with Luisita, starring ex-pro Eddie Bagtas and Francis Gaston, shooting for a second straight triumph.
Mactan Golf is the other venue for the Senior championship, the other being Club Filipino.
Hotel H20, Travelife, Boeing International Corp. and Business Mirror are sponsoring the twin events. Other backers include Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), People Asia Magazine, Whealth Inc., Aerospace, Tanduay Distillers and Intercontinental Manila.