Davao City's golfing community is celebrating a major victory as Lanang Golf and Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Sports Club clinched championship titles during the awards night of the 77th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Senior Golf Tournament 2026. The event concluded on Thursday, February 26, with a celebratory dinner and awarding program held at Dusit Thani Davao, marking a proud moment for local sports.
Division Champions Emerge from Davao
In the Aviator Division, Lanang Golf and Country Club dominated with 476 points to secure the championship. Team veteran Paul Dakudao expressed his excitement, stating, "We've been playing together for almost 30 years. Being on our home course gave us an advantage. Of course, we're thrilled to be champions." Mimosa Plus followed in second place with 471 points, while Brittannika Team B took third with 479 points.
Meanwhile, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Sports Club triumphed in the Sportswriters Division with 466 points. Randolph Cadiogan highlighted the team effort, saying, "Our win was a team effort. Every member performed as expected. I'm proud of them all! Mabuhay ang senior's team ng RPV!"
Overall Senior Division and Other Highlights
In the overall Senior Division Championship, Bukidnon's Del Monte Golf Club achieved a remarkable three-peat with 599 points. The team, consisting of Ernesto Apas, Billy Adag, Arsenio Mondilla, Raul Minoza, Crispin Aparilla, Romeo Jaraula, Leon Maghamil, and Ramon Velez, combined skill and experience to dominate the tournament. Ramon Velez shared with SunStar Davao, "We prepared very well, so I knew we would play well. Hard work produced the best result this time. Our team has been together for over 10 years, and next year, at our home court in Cagayan de Oro, we have a good chance to win again."
Canlubang Golf and Country Club finished second with 589 points, followed by Luisita Golf and Country Club at 587 points. Other division champions included:
- Sherwood Hills Golf Club (Founders Division, 582 points)
- Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club (Legacy Division, 532 points)
- Pinoy Twilight Golf Club (Friendship Division, 390 points)
- FilAm Hawaii (International Division, 546 points)
Notable Achievements and Event Details
The tournament featured impressive individual performances, including hole-in-one feats by Michael Mercer of Napa de Oro Winery and Jufil Sato of Cebu Country Club, both acing the second hole at Rancho Palos Verdes during early rounds. Individual flight winners were:
- Byung Kyu Choi (Flight A, Valley Golf and Country Club)
- Apollo Jun Lamazon (Flight B, Brittannika Team B)
- Cipriano Abdon (Flight C, Riviera Golf)
- German Tono (Flight D, Sherwood Hills Golf Club)
PAL executives and organizers praised the event's competitive spirit and camaraderie. Leo Tereso A. Magno, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority, emphasized the tournament's unifying power, stating, "This Interclub has shown its ability to bring us together, celebrating excellence and fellowship." Alvin Miranda, marketing vice president of Philippine Airlines, described the event as "a reunion for many participants" and shared a personal story about connecting with his grandfather through the Interclub.
Entertainment was provided by Asia's Diamond Soul Siren and OPM hitmaker Randy Santiago, who performed for 992 senior golfers and guests. This year's tournament set a record with 214 teams, including 124 in the senior division and 90 in the men's regular division, showcasing the enduring popularity of golf in the Philippines.
Sponsors played a key role, with Diamond partner Mastercard, Gold sponsors PRIMAX and Ajinomoto, Silver sponsor Okada, and Bronze sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Boeing, Philippine National Bank, and Tanduay. Official hotel partners were Dusit Thani Davao and Newport World Resorts.
The ceremonial tee-off for the men's regular division is scheduled for February 28 at South Pacific Golf Club, with competition continuing from March 2 to 6 at SPGC, Apo Golf and Country Club, and Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.
Since its inception in 1948, the PAL Interclub has brought together local and international golfers in a spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, forging lasting friendships while celebrating the competitive essence of the sport.
