Manotoc returns for Canlubang

Tommy Manotoc

The bulk of the Canlubang crew that will defend its Senior title in the Philippine Airlines Interclub golf championship starting next week will arrive in Cebu on Saturday, with the Sugar Barons ready to battle arch-rival Luisita mano-a-mano for yet another time.

Cangolf welcomes the multi-titled Tommy Manotoc back to its fold after a two-year absence, with the long-time stalwart again ready to provide stability into the roster that will be led by prolific scorers Rufino and Abe Rosal.

The Sugar Barons came from behind to defang the Luisitans in Bacolod last year, but the Tarlac-based squad has fresh blood in former pro Benny Saclot to become even more formidable.

“We have basically the same team, and we are ready,” said Cangolf mainstay Rolly Viray, who bared that Manotoc had already flown to the Queen City in the South early this week to sample both the Alta Vista and Danao courses.

“It will be Luisita, as usual,” Viray said when asked which team poses the biggest threat for a Canlubang repeat.

This year’s Interclub will be using four courses, with Regular Men’s action to be played over the Cebu Country Club and Mactan Airbase courses starting March 6. The Seniors tee off on Wednesday.

“We are confident,” said Luisita’s Jeric Hechanova after adding Saclot.