SIX teams teeming with equal talent and skills joined the Fil-Championship division to add excitement to the chase for the premier title in the 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational’s at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club courses in Baguio City
Manila Southwoods will parade a formidable cast of national team members Carl Corpuz, Kristoffer Arevalo and Aidric Chan and, together with Gabriel Manotoc and Jeff Jung, the Carmona (Cavite)-based squad is the clear favorite to defend the crown.
The Januarius Team may be a newcomer but Raymund Sangil, Marco Olives, RJ Rizada, Terence Macatangay and Kirby Lachica have had numerous Fil-Am experiences making the squad, captained by Paolo Cagalingan, a strong contender.
Forest Hills is another team with potential with its mix of young and veteran golfers including Edison Tabalin and long-hitteer Joshua Buenaventura, as well as Gus Pachieco, Iñigo Raymundo and Jose Rodelio Mangulabnan.
After leading Southwoods to the Seniors title, Jun Jun Plana is playing again in the regular tournament for Time Cargo Logistics, the defending Am-Championship titlist.
With Plana are Manfred Guangko, reliable Gary Sales, Justin Tambuntin and playing manager Ruel Cabral.
Stehmeier brothers King and Ace lead the X1R-Tipsy Pig-Mizuno charge alongside Joaquin Tolentino, Feliciano Baron and Gab Macalagium.
The Mendoza brothers Rep. Mark Llandro and Michael, on the other hand, headline the Riviera-Batangas Barakos also made up of Erik Escalona, Eric Gozo, Gerald Katigbak and Rudy Amata.
SPES Team will be bannered by Bayani Garcia, Marvin Mendoza, Justin Limjap, Peter Tyler Po, Herman Bascon, Matt Merndoza and Chiyo Raymundo.
The regular tournament starts Tuesday.