DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The 65th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub men’s golf team championships unfold Wednesday with Del Monte Golf Club defending its title against a slew of challengers.

With the departure of 17-time champion Canlubang, this year’s event has become a wide open race with at least seven teams inside the radar.

Del Monte sits on top of the food chain with nine members of last year’s champion team returning to win their first crown outside their home turf.

Clyde Mondilla and Jovanie Abano banner a youth-laden squad out to capture its third Interclub crown. The other members of the team are John Mark Mondilla, Magno Arancon Jr., Julius Bautista, Noel Langamin, Jelbert Gamolo, Lawrence Cubillo, Leonard Lofranco and playing captain Yoyong Velez.

“We want to prove that we can also win outside of Del Monte. I think we have a good chance,” said Velez.

Gamolo, a 14-year-old junior champion, is the latest addition to Del Monte, replacing Borgie Lusterio who could not be included because of the handicapping system in place.

Adopted only last year, the handicapping system led to the withdrawal of Canlubang this year and the emergence of several contenders.

Cebu Country Club, last year’s runner-up, is expected to crowd Del Monte as well as Negros, Forest Hills, Wack Wack, Alabang and Manila Southwoods.

Playing captain Ramontito Garcia will lead CCC’s title drive. Returning for the team are Carl Almario, Eric Deen, Mark Anthony Dy, Bayani Garcia, Gio Gandionco, Lloyd Go, Jovi Neri and Jose Sarmiento. Gen Nagai is the team’s newcomer.

Negros will be led by playing captain Francis Gaston and JR Tanpinco, former stalwart of the Country Club.

Wack Wack, the inaugural champion in 1948, is also in the mix following the inclusion of Tommy Manotoc and sons Mathew and Gabriel in the team lineup.

The Mandaluyong-based squad has seven Interclub crowns under its belt – its last victory coming in 1978.

Manila Southwoods, a two-time winner, will be led by Korean Sung Hwan Yoon and veterans Junjun Plana and Vince Lauron.

The championship round will start at Rancho Palos Verdes, one of two courses to be used in the four-day event that ends Saturday.

On Thursday, Del Monte and company will play at Apo Golf and Country Club which will also be the site of the final round.

Sixty six teams, including 34 clubs based abroad, are divided into four divisions: Championship, Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship.

Each team is allowed to field five players with the top four scores to be counted. The PAL scoring system will be used with even par in stroke play equivalent to 36 points.

The platinum sponsors of the 65th PAL Interclub are Mareco Broadcasting Network, Radio High, Stargate Media, Media Five, GE while the major backers are Asia Brewery, Business Mirror and Airbus.

Also lending support are the Department of Tourism, Philippine Graphics, Boeing International Corp., Bombo Radyo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, Plantation Bay, Radisson Blu Hotel and Imperial Palace Waterpark & Spa Cebu.