After a two year hiatus, the PAL Interclub golf is back once again.
Unofficially labeled as the national team championship, PAL choose the queen city of the south as its host for the 74th edition of the annual tournament. With this year’s theme “Back to Ignite” indeed it lit up the burning desires of every media golfers for a reunion and renewal once again the camaraderie among media practitioners. What else can be more fitting than bonding and fellowship through golf.
Led by the ageless Jake Ayson as tournament director and ably supported by chief rulesman, kumpadre Al “Almen” Mendoza, media golfers from print and the newly created division broadcast media converged in Cebu for the two day tournament in Mactan Island Golf and the Alta Vista Golf from February 26 and 27, 2023.
Spin.com.ph editor Dodo Catacutan topped the field with his two-day of net 147 (74, 73) beating two former winners Rey Bancod (154) and Musong Castillo (156) who tied for third with Vancouver-based Olympian Rey Fortaleza (156).
GMA 7’s Arnold “Igan” Clavio took the plum for broadcast with his 151 ,winning over Ely Saludar (157) and Conrad Banal (160).
This writer, a first-timer representing Edge Davao, had to play without handicap or scratch as part of the tradition being a newbie or baptism of fire of sort, managed to squeeze an 88 and 85 or a total gross of 173.Unofficially the lowest gross overall.
But in this competition, golf scores don’t matter that much since winning is only an added bonus after three days of golf, food, laughter, and recollection of stories after everyone had their share of drinks. Did I say drinks? You bet. It’s limitless and bottoms up.
The biggest smiles however among the golfers belong to the Dabawenyos Jon Develos of Sports Digest and Aljo Bendijo of PTV 4. The duo got the luck of the draw to win grand prize, a round trip regional tickets Economy class from PAL (Asia and Australia).
Senior VP and PAL general counsel Atty Carlos Fernandez graced the occasion and mingled with the golfers during the awarding ceremonies.
The indefatigable Cielo Villaluna supported by Nanette Versoza, Tolits, Ian and Ella made sure the golfers are well fed, alcohol powered (beers and red wine) and had a comfortable stay at the Quincentennial hotel.
Charlie “Davao” Erojo regaled the crowd with his husky voice ala-Rod Stewart-Louie Armstrong songs while acting also as the chief musical director/technician at the San Pedro function room of the Radisson Blue Cebu Hotel during the awards night.
Al Mendoza, wearing his Beatles shirt belted the classic Come Together and the immortal Lennon song “Imagine”. And again as part of the tradition, Jake Ayson serenated the ladies with his “Mona Lisa” and the last song of the night, “My Way.”
See you again fellas in the 75th edition of PAL Interclub golf.
