Manila Southwoods Masters shoots for a fourth straight overall title when the 9th Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub golf team championships come off the wraps Thursday at the Alta Vista Golf Club in Cebu City.
The Masters, one of two squads fielded by the Carmona-based course, is fielding only seven players led by team captain Beachie Abiera. The others are Annika Cedo, Sofia Chabon, Lora Roberto, Claire Ong, Christine Naidoo and Missy Legaspi.
The defending champion will miss the services of national player Miya Legaspi, but remains the team to beat.
Last year, the Masters posted a 22-point win over Cebu Country Club at the Rancho Palos Verdes in Davao City.
Manila Southwoods also sent its Legends team made up of skipper Claudine Garcia, Sandy Velhagen, Nini Samaniego, Christine Lava, Yong Mi Kim, Denise Tambuatco, Lita Jumalon and Lani Chavez.
The field has been reduced to 25 teams following the withdrawal of The Riviera, according to Interclub tournament director Henry Arabelo.
Arabelo said most of the participants, including the Lady Eagles Australian Golfers, are expected to fly in Tuesday afternoon in time for the practice rounds on Wednesday.
Competition will now be held for two rounds with each team allowed to field as many as eight players, but only six will count.
Arabelo said the championship division could be a three-horse race with the possibility of Del Monte making the grade.
“I haven’t seen the line-ups yet, but it looks like Del Monte will join the Masters and CCC in the premier division,” he said.
Arabelo said the course is in great condition.
PAL general manager Jimmy Bautista will hit the ceremonial ball during the opening ceremonies on Wednesday.
The event is sponsored by Boeing, Airbus, B/E Aerospace, Diamond Hotel Phils., Eastgate Publishing, Bluewater Maribago and Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover).(PAL)
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