The long wait is over and nerves are getting frazzled as Davao City’s lady golfers tee off on Nov.22 at the start of the PAL Ladies Interlub Tournament appropriately themed “She Swings” at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Brgy.Mandug.
The Dabawenyas enjoy home course advantage, having prepared since August by getting the needed information on what to do on each hole of the Andy Dye-designed championship course.
Except for “nervousness”, said Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club team captain Imee Garcia, her team is 100 percent ready.
But Garcia won’t just be playing for the city she loves but for the man who made her “so into golf”, her dad, Tony Garcia, who served as Mindanao director for the RP Golf Association, known today as the NGAP.
“My decision to participate in the PAL tournament will make him proud,” said Davao’s finest lady golfer who had to quit for a year to attend to her dad’s medical needs.
Garcia will team up with Jean Gotianse, Jo Mi Sun, Jun Young Hae, Maricel Kim, Sheryl Kim, Park Young Ran and Park Ok Hee in the four-day event.
Apo Golf and Country Club acting general manager Billy Parilla said they are also ready for action and will be fielding team captain Evelyn Quinsay, Mimi Siason, Beth Crisologo, Leni Hao, Keseree Ng, Gemma Bokawachi, Tina Bandolon and Irene Shinmura.
The Davao City Golf Club will be represented by Sally Antivo as team captain and teammates Jover Vergara, Stella Barnes, Vicky Tan, Faye Jayno, Honey Lopez, Joy Charman and Socorro Supino.
After 25 years, Philippine Airlines has re-staged the women’s tournament in what is seen to be a strong rivalry with the men’s edition, which has been going on for 64 years, in terms of fan following and prestige. [Moses P. Billacura]
