77th PAL Interclub Men's Tournament Officially Launches in Davao City
The 77th Philippine Airlines Interclub Regular Men's Tournament has been formally inaugurated with a ceremonial tee-off at the South Pacific Golf and Country Club in Davao City on Saturday, February 28. This event marks the beginning of the five-day competition scheduled from March 2 to 6, 2026, showcasing amateur golf at its finest across three premier venues: South Pacific, Apo, and Rancho Palos Verdes golf and country clubs.
Defending Champion Eastridge Primehomes Sets Sights on Back-to-Back Victory
Eastridge Primehomes, the reigning champion, embarks on its quest for a consecutive crown this week. Team captain Gimo Asuncion emphasized a straightforward approach despite the pressures of defending their title. "Definitely, our goal is to play our best and defend the championship this 77th PAL, God willing," Asuncion stated in an interview with SunStar Davao. The team has focused on rigorous practice and conditioning, with optimistic practice rounds completed on February 28.
Asuncion highlighted the significance of playing in Davao, noting that most team members hail from Mindanao, which could provide a competitive edge due to course familiarity. "This will be special since most of them are from Davao and Mindanao. First PAL in Davao for our team," he added. Eastridge's lineup includes players such as Apollo Batican, Adrian Bisera, and Alex Bisera, among others.
Tournament Highlights and Participant Enthusiasm
The ceremonial launch was graced by notable figures, including Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Teresa Magno, Ed Marasigan of Apo Golf, Marlon Tabanao of Rancho Palos Verdes, and Elson Alvaran of South Pacific. David Ong of the PAL Board and Kit Javier of the Technical Executive Committee also participated, alongside Davao City native Florence Yvon Bisera, the reigning Thailand Singha-Sat Thai LPGA Masters champion, underscoring the event's prestige.
Tournament director Buddy Resurreccion reported that 90 teams have entered the Men's Regular division, reflecting the enduring popularity of amateur golf in the Philippines. Sponsors for this edition include Mastercard as Diamond partner, with support from PRIMAX, Ajinomoto, Okada, and others, while official hotel partners are Dusit Thani Davao and Newport World Resorts.
Competitive Field and Local Connections
Other contenders, such as Tagaytay Highlands, last year's third-place finisher, are also in the mix. Ryan Joseph "RJ" Rizada, team captain of Tagaytay Midlands-Team IMG and a Davao City native, expressed excitement about competing on home turf. "Davao always holds a special place in my heart, whether it be basketball or now golf. And I'm excited to be playing Apo Golf and South Pacific, two courses that will test our will to score better than our goal," Rizada said.
He added, "Our chances are always there, golf is a game of days anyway. We can only hope and pray that our putts go in and we get lucky each time." Tagaytay's teams are sponsored by Bart Borja, featuring players like Jenz Tecson and King Stehmeier.
Historical Context and Tournament Significance
Eastridge's breakthrough victory last year at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, where they defeated perennial powerhouse Manila Southwoods, was built on depth and consistent team performance. This win elevated them to elite status in Philippine amateur golf. The tournament's shift to Davao City not only offers a competitive platform but also celebrates local talent and community engagement, with participants and organizers alike highlighting the region's growing influence in the sport.
