Abdon wishing Orchard the best

MANILA, Philippines - John Kier Abdon played a major role in Orchard winning the men’s title in the 67th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf championship in Bacolod.

But it’s too bad that the 22-year-old Abdon won’t be back when Orchard tries to defend the coveted crown next year.

Abdon is turning pro soon.

It was his first and last stint for Orchard in the Interclub. That’s why when he boarded the PAL flight to Manila yesterday, he carried his trophies like babies.

Abdon feels sad he had to leave the team just when it became champion in elite division for the first time. But he said it was time for him to move on and turn pro.

The young veteran of the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar was crowned the individual champion with rounds of 35 and 34, and also won the award for the best 18 holes.

He looked at things the positive way, saying the victory in the prestigious team event in golf will serve him well as he makes his pro debut at ICTSI Splendido this month.

“Of course it will boost my confidence,” he told The STAR at the baggage claim area of NAIA 2.

“We didn’t expect to win this. We were the underdogs because we were first-timers in the Championship division,” Abdon said.

But once the tournament got going, they looked far from being the underdogs. They led from start to finish and beat Alabang by 18 points.

Stephen King Stehmeier, Raymund Sangil and Nicolas Santiano also provided the spark for Orchard team which included Ian Arcilla, Alan Stehmeier, Antonio Payumo, Jose Mangulabnan, Jan Phillipe de Claro and Tomas Benitez.

It was a total team effort, according to Stephen King, who can only hope that they can deliver the same brand of play next year – even without Abdon.

“Of course he will be missed. It will be difficult to replace him. But we will still be around. Raymund will still be there. Nicolas Santiano will still be there along with the rest,” he said.

They’re hoping that Wolen Superal, who now works as a chef at Orchard, can regain his old form and his slot in the team.

Orchard will be a marked team next year and expected to crowd them for the title are Alabang and Del Monte, which will be playing on home soil.

“I’m sure Orchard will make the adjustments. And they will find a way,” said Abdon.

“We will,” vowed Stephen King.