BACOLOD CITY — Eastridge is just 18 holes away from securing its maiden victory in the 76th Philippine Airlines Interclub championships after posting a second consecutive 105-point effort at Bacolod Golf Club on Thursday.
For the second consecutive year, Eastridge heads into the final round as the leader, but this time with a significantly larger lead.
With 309 points after 54 holes, the Binangonan-based squad leads defending champion Manila Southwoods by 14 points.
Chris Remata, a 26-year-old talent from Davao, led Eastridge’s charge with 39 points (3-under-par), receiving solid support from Rolando Bregente, who shot 34.
A 32 from either Vito Sarines or Alexander Bisera also counted toward the team’s total. Remata entered the round with a strategy laid out by team captain Gimo Asuncion, who meticulously outlined his instructions on paper.
Gary Sales, the team’s most senior member, explained that while Remata is one of the team’s strongest and most accurate players, he benefits from guidance to stay calm under pressure.
Remata followed the plan to perfection, except for a pickup on the sixth hole, and ended the round with seven birdies, including a remarkable 24-foot putt on the 11th.
“I thought the course played easy. It was short,” said Remata, who completed his second round in the tournament.
His confidence was evident, but the day’s conditions were anything but easy. Despite the mix of rain and wind, Remata’s impressive 39-point effort, equivalent to three-under-par, proved crucial for Eastridge’s continued dominance.
Team captain Gimo Asuncion couldn’t have been more pleased with Remata’s performance.
“What a round by Chris Remata — 3-under today. He really helped the team, especially with the delicate conditions. We didn’t hit our targets today, but we’re still happy to increase our lead going into the final day,” Asuncion said.
Though Eastridge holds a commanding lead, Gary Sales made it clear that their focus remains sharp.
“Anything can still happen. We just have to play well tomorrow,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Manila Southwoods, grappling with two tough rounds, turned to one of their top players, Shinichi Suzuki, who delivered a solid 38 points.
With Patrick Tambalque contributing 36 and Emil Hernandez adding 34, Southwoods outscored Eastridge for the day, shooting 108.
However, despite their late surge, they still face an uphill battle to retain their crown.
“Very difficult uphill climb, but not impossible,” said a defiant Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño.
“We just give it our best and let’s see, it’s not over until the last putt.”
Comebacking Jerome Delariarte, who was fielded to provide leadership and experience in the youth-laden squad, did not count for the second straight day with 27 points.
Tagaytay Highlands-Team IMG slid to third place with 280 after a lackluster 88 points. Scoring for the team were Ace Stehmeier (33), Raymund Sangil (29) and Justin Tambunting (26).
Del Monte continued to wallow in last place in the championship division with 269 points, including 92 collected from Simon Wahing (32), Mark Ivan Parilla (31) and Belly Vidal (29).
In the Founders division, Canlubang surged to a 16-point lead over Cebu Country Club and Negros Occidental following a 99-point effort at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.
John Robert Bernis set a new tournament record after posting 40 points to lead Canlubang. The other scorers were Fernando Zaldarriaga and Carlo Quimson with 30 and 29, respectively.
CCC was led by Bayani Garcia’s 30 points followed by Jose Marko Anton Sarmiento and Harvey Sytiongsa with 28 and 21, respectively.
Chepe Dulay powered Negros Occidental with 34 while Frederick Locsin and Roberto Clemente added 28 and 26, respectively.
Still in the mix was Riviera which had 267 after collecting 81 points from Eric Gozo (28), Gerald Neil Katigbak (27) and Raymond Escalona (26).
The 76th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by Platinum sponsors PRIMAX Broadcasting Network and Asian Journal.
Mastercard is a gold sponsor while RMN is a silver sponsor. ABS-CBN Global is joining as a bronze sponsor while VISA, Philippine National Bank, SM Bacolod, Tanduay and Asia Brewery are minor sponsors.
Citadines is a hotel partner.