WITH an intact lineup, Manila Southwoods-Masters is the odds-on favorite to extend its reign to five years when the Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team tournament fires off next week in Bacolod City.
“We are definitely going for our fifth crown,” said Masters playing team captain Claire Ong yesterday.
Ong said the same players that won them their fourth championship last year in Cebu City will be back to rekindle their rivalry with Cebu Country Club.
Aside from Ong, the other members of the squad are Lora Roberto, Sofia Chabon, Abby Arevalo, Missy Legaspi, Annika Guangko, Claudine Garcia and Serafina Kim.
The event, now on its 10th year, gets going on Thursday and will run for three days.
Each of the 19 teams entered will play two rounds under the Molave scoring system at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, popularly known as Marapara.
It will mark the first time that the tree-lined course will play host to the event.
Ong said Marapara will play longer than what they’re used to.
“We will have our practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday,” she said.
CCC, which lost by a single point at Alta Vista Golf Club last year, will be missing two or three players, according to team captain Mary Kim Hong.
“We’re weaker this year because some of our players are not available,” said Hong.
Aside from the championship division, titles will also be at stake in the Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship divisions.
A team captains’ meeting will be held on Wednesday to be followed by the ceremonial tee-off and captains’ tournament.
Event sponsors: Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Travelife, Business Mirror, Airbus, Splash Philippines, Wealth Inc. and East Gate Publication.