By Adriano Flores

DAVAO City?They wanted an auspicious start. Wish granted.

The Country Club passed its Philippine Airlines Interclub debut on Wednesday with flying colors, playing steady amid the continuous afternoon rains to score 138 points and jumped into the lead in the premier championship division over defending champion Canlubang.

Anthony Fernando waxed hot with 40 points, a four-under-par in regulation, at the Rancho Palos to lead the way for TCC. He scored on five birdies including two pitch ins from within 20 yards to offset his missed green at the second hole for a solo bogey.

?Putting served me well today. It was a little soggy out there because of the downpour. Luckily, I was able to hold on and help the team,? said Fernando, the 2007 national amateur champion and former national team player.

With the exception of Fernando, his other teammates turned in decent scores which were just enough to give TCC a five-point lead. Tonlits Asistio carded a 33 and Dante Beciera contributed a 32.  But it was junior golfer Jobim Carlos who made the difference when he submitted a 33.

?[Tonight] Fernando saved us today.  We would have been only one up if not for his monster game. [Jobim] Carlos was a surprise for me. He delivered the killer punch,? Lopez said.

Canlubang, which is seeking its fourth consecutive crown, pooled in 133 points, while 2005 champion Manila Southwoods assembled a 121.

The battle for the championship division title continues today at the Apo Golf Club with national team stars Ferdie Aunzo and Rufino Bayron expected to pace the TCC charge.

Camp John Hay grabbed the early lead after it assembled 107 points in the sportswriters? division. Jeff Razon carded a seven-over-par in regulation, which is the equivalent of 29 in the PAL points system. Jack Perez contributed 28 while Monet Garcia and Sean Choi added 25 apiece.

Sister club Sherwood Hills came up with 106 points to trail the leader by one.  Thirdy Esca?o paced with 29 points, followed by Luis Oh?s 27 and Pong Manuel?s 26.  Jimmy Borromeo?s 24 counted in the five-to-play, four-to-count format.

Fernando Mondares sizzled with 31 to help Mactan Island Golf pool in 103 points to be at third spot.  Camp Evangelista (100), Saranggani (96), Apo Golf (95), Stanford (94), Zamboanga (94), Lumbia (93) and Iligan (90) completed the Top 10.

ABS-CBN Cable Channels & Print Media Group, Airbus, Boeing, Business Mirror, Mizuno, MTV Philippines, Radio Mindanao Network and Solar Sports are platinum sponsors of the Interclub.