A total of 760 players from the Philippines, United States, Canada, Australia, China, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia are competing for team and individual honors in what is generally regarded as the country’s team championship.

The traditional hitting of ceremonial drives Tuesday officially kicked off the four-day tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club. The Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club is the other host.

Those who did the honors were Davao City Chamber of Commerce president Simeon Marfori, Councilor Bonifacio Militar representing Mayor Rodolfo Duterte, North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Pinol;

Rancho Palos Golf and Country Club independent board director Nonoy Llamas, Apo GCC grounds director Edwin Villarino, tournament committee chairman Domingo Duerme and PAL president Jaime J. Bautista.

Taking center stage in the four-day event is the expected battle royale between Canlubang Golf and Country Club and rookie Country Club as they dispute the coveted trophy in the championship division starting at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club course.

Other prizes to be disputed are in the Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship divisions with ABS-CBN Cable Channels & Print Media Group, Airbus, Boeing, Business Mirror, Mizuno, MTV Philippines, Radio Mindanao Network and Solar Sports as platinum sponsors.

Action Asia, Bombo Radyo, Crossover 105.1, People Asia, Royal Caribbean and XFM 92.3 are the major backers while the other supporters are PAGCOR, Rajah Broadcasting Network, Century Park Hotel and holes-in-one sponsors Honda Cars Davao and Honda Megamotors Corp.

In the tournament, all 76 teams are allowed to have 10 players each, but they can only field five a round, the best four scorers to be counted. The PAL scoring system will be used that will award one point for a bogey, two par, three birdie, four eagle and so on.

Canlubang is the heavy favorite to capture its fourth consecutive men’s regular championship division crown. If it does, it will be unprecedented because no team has ever scored a double four-peat in both seniors and men’s regular divisions.

Expected to provide the serious challengers to Cangolf are the rookie team Country Club and Manila Southwoods.

Last week, Canlubang came from behind to beat the Luisita Golf and Country Club to capture its fourth straight seniors championship. No team has ever scored a double four-peat since the senior’s event was launched in 1987.

Veteran superstar Tommy Manotoc leads Canlubang’s bold bid for history. Backing him up are Jonel Ababa, Mario Labajo, Joseph Labajo, Zanie Boy Gialan, Paul Echavez, Jessie Balasabas, Alvin Engino, Mark Fernando and Dave Hernandez.

Carrying the Country Club colors are Ferdie Aunzo, Rufino Bayron, Tonlits Asistio, Peter Villaber, Art Arbole, Jobim Carlos, JR Tanpinco, Joey Huerva, Anthony Fernando and Dante Beciera.