PAL golf: Roster shuffling, Apo performance are key factors

DAVAO—Fielding will play a key role in Manila Southwoods’ quest to complete a hat trick in the 70th Philippine Airlines Interclub, according to non-playing captain Thirdy Escaño.

“We can’t field all 10 of our players in one day,” said Escaño, while acknowledging that they have one of the best prepared teams in the centerpiece Championship division.

“We have to be able to come up with a balanced lineup each day while making sure that we have a strong team for the final day,” Escaño continued after overseeing his wards’ official practice round at hazard-laden Apo Golf here, the site of first-round action Wednesday.

Rancho Palos Verdes will be the venue for the next two days, but Escaño wants to be able to come up with a lineup that would be full of firepower for Day 4, which will also be at Apo.

“This is where this tournament will be decided,” he said, pointing to the beautiful fairways of the tree-lined layout.

“Whichever team scores decently here will have a great chance. And whichever team scores big in the final day will most likely win it.”

Southwoods has labeled Canlubang as the biggest threat in its quest to win three straight and write club history.

“They (Sugar Barons) still have Rupert (Zaragosa),” Escaño said. “And anytime you have a player of that caliber, you are surely one of the favorites.”

Del Monte and Luisita are the other teams in the Championship Division.

Yuto Katsuragawa, an

18-year-old Japanese who is being groomed for a pro career, will be the spearhead of Southwoods for the first time with the graduation of the prolific Justin Quiban to the professional ranks.

Former Junior World champion Kristoffer Arevalo is also in the roster, with Aidric Chan, Ira Alido and new recruit Liam Cully completing the team’s core.

The 70th PAL Interclub Platinum sponsors are Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, RMN Networks, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls-Royce, TV5, MasterCard, TFC and Business Mirror.

Major sponsors include Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Sabre Airline Solutions while Corporate sponsors are Baron Travel Corporation, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Sabre Airline Solutions and Tourism Promotions Board.

The donors are Shangri-La at The Fort, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.