By Aniceto Malabanan II (Guest Writer)
DAVAO CITY – Local pride was on full display as Davao-based golf squads made good on their pledge to defend their home turf, capturing key titles in the Aviator and Friendship Divisions. While the local clubs celebrated their hard-fought victories, the Premiere Championship division witnessed a display of absolute dominance as Eastridge Golf surged to a massive victory.
The tournament’s Aviator Division saw Lanang Golf Club execute a clinical performance, completing a wire-to-wire finish that will be remembered for its historical symmetry. Entering the final day with a steady hand, Lanang posted a three-day total of 388 points to secure a 13-point win over Sarangani Golf (375), with Apo Golf Team B taking third at 355 points. The victory was particularly sweet as it duplicated the feat of Lanang’s Senior counterpart, who captured the same division title earlier this week.
In the Friendship Division, South Pacific Team B turned their “dream ride” into a reality. They left no room for doubt, finishing the tournament with 289 points—a staggering 46-point lead over their nearest competitors. While the gold was decided early, the battle for silver was a true nail-biter. Paraiso Golf, led by Kenneth “Captain Marbel” Duremdes, managed to secure the second spot with 243 points, edging out the Yokohama Eagles (242) by a single, “hairline” point.
Local representation remained strong across the other brackets. In the Sportswriters Division, Davao City Golf Club FTB earned a silver medal with an output of 309 points, finishing behind champion Liloan Golf Club (322) and ahead of third-place finishers Dole Kalsangi (293). Meanwhile, Apo Golf Team A fought valiantly in a last-ditch effort for a podium finish; however, they ultimately landed in 8th place in a division topped by champion Forest Hills (501), followed by Britannikka (477) and Cebu Golf and Country Club (471).
The highlight of the Premiere Championship division was the overwhelming performance of Eastridge Golf. Asserting their dominance with a “33-point carnage,” Eastridge relied on the familiarity and skill of their shock troopers—all outstanding graduates of the Jungolf programs in Davao, Bukidnon, and Bacolod.
Their final day assault was led by Ronnel Tagaan’s 35, followed by Chris Remata’s 34, and identical 33s from Ralph Batican and Bobe Salahog. Even with Adrian Bisera’s 30 not counting toward the total, Eastridge finished far ahead of the youth-laden Manila Southwoods (530) and third-placed Tagaytay Highlands (503).
The 77th PAL Interclub is supported by the following: Diamond sponsor Mastercard, Gold sponsor PRIMAX and Ajinamoto, Silver sponsor Okada, Bronze sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Boeing, Philippine National Bank and Tanduay, and official hotel partners Dusit Thani Davao and Newport World Resorts.
ReyFort Media 
Leave a comment