BACOLOD CITY – On a day when par was considered a solid score at the demanding Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (NOGCC), Canlubang held on to a slim one-point lead over Cebu Country Club (CCC) at the start of the 76th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub on Monday.

Canlubang posted 137 points, with Jesse Hernandez leading the charge, contributing 47 points -- one of the day’s standout individual performances.

“It’s always good to be ahead,” said Canlubang captain Tony Olives who also drew a pair of 45 points from Damasus Wong and Santiago Santos.

Hernandez started with birdie and par but picked up on the par-3 third hole after shanking an eight-iron tee shot.

CCC rode on a couple of 46s by Montito Garcia and Carl Almario to move into strong contention. Rounding out CCC’s score was Sato Jufil.

Defending champion Del Monte and Manila Southwoods shared third spot with identical 132 points, three points ahead of many-time winner Luisita.

Del Monte drew 46s from Raul Minoza and Yoyong Velez and 40 from Ernesto Apas.

Junjun Plana scored his senior career-worst 47 to lead Southwoods which collected 45 from Judd Roy and 40 from Theody Pascual.

With five teams separated by just eight points, it’s still anyone’s race.

Marapara’s length and strong winds challenged the golfers, but nothing compared to the 626-yard 18th hole, where reaching it in regulation was nearly impossible.

The championship division moves to the Bacolod Golf Club on Tuesday.

Partial results:

CHAMPIONSHIP (NOGCC)

Canlubang 137, Cebu 136, Del Monte 132, Manila Southwoods 132, Luisita 129, Fil-Am Hawaii 122, Alabang 117, MSU Marawi 112, Coral Ocean Point 102, Engineers and Architects 70.

AVIATOR (NOGCC)

PAR 2000 124, Veterans 112 , Sarangani 110, Forest Hills 109, Beverly Place 107, Davao City 106, Cotabato 105, Mimosa Plus 103, Via Verde LA 101, Club Intramuros 101, Paoay 101, Iloilo 100, Iligan 99, Guam Seniors 97, Boogie Buddies Filgolfers 96, Edwin Andrews Airforce Base 96, Napa de Oro Winery 94, Lanang 91, Dakak 90, Negros International 89, South Bay of California 87, Mt Malindang 85, Filam Golf of Sacramento 82, Rancho Palos Verdes 82, Dirab 76, Philam Golf Florida 60, MSU Marawi 53.

SPORTSWRITER (Bacolod Golf)

Pittsburgh Filam 107, Leyte 105, Moffet Field Team 1 104, Sanjuanico 104, Guam Seals 103, Moffet Field 2 102, Pearl Kai 102, Filcansa 102, Bacolod Golf Club Team A 96, PGA British Columbia 96, Sky West 92, Camp Evangelista 91, Liloan 89, West Highlands 89, Pinoy Vancouver 88, Illana Bay 88, Filam New Jersey 87, Ping Golfers 87, E-Yona Golf Club of Guam 86, Phil Golf Club of New England 82, Mabuhay Golf of SFO 79, Guam Taotaomona 77, Filam SFO 76, Pinoy Twilight 75, Guam Compadres 68, South Cotabato 61, Fil-Am Fairfield-North 58, Bennet Valley 19.

FRIENDSHIP

Fil Oz Sydney 80, Simbolo Peninsula 65, Seattle Team A 62, Canphil 60, Brotherhood Sharp 56, West Covina Warriors 55, SF East Bay 50.