By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Dottie Ardina is bent on making her mark in the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters, set for tee off on Wednesday at The Country Club (TCC) in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The 2024 Paris Olympian said she has been practicing and working on her swing.
“I don’t really expect anything, but the goal is always to win and do my best,” the 31-year-old Ardina said in a news release on Sunday.
She is excited to play on a course that has been a familiar battleground since her amateur days.
“It’s very exciting to play TCC again in tournament mode, not just in practice,” the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) campaigner said in a news release.
Also entered in the 54-hole competition offering a total of USD200,000 in cash prizes are Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Mikha Fortuna, Florence Bisera, Mafy Singson, Harmie Constantino, LK Go, Chihiro Ikeda, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum, Gretchen Villacencio, Sunshine Baraquiel and Korean prodigy Tiffany Lee.
They will face tough competition from top players of the Korean LPGA Dream Tour, Taiwan (TLPGA) and Thailand LPGA.
“It’s great to host these international players. I’m excited to see how they will perform at TCC, given its exacting challenge,” Ardina said.
“The presence of the Korean LPGA players is a great motivation for our local golfers and other Asian competitors.”
The Korean delegation is composed of 2025 Indonesian Open champion Hwang Yoona and runner-up Cho Jeongmin, Song Gae-un, Sohn Yebeen, Park Ye-Ji and Yoo Dagyeom.
Representing Taiwan are TLPGA No. 4 Li Ning Wang, Chen Chih Min, Ching Huang, Chang Hsuan Ping and Chang Yi Han.
Thailand’s lineup includes PK Kongkraphan, Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Kamonwan Lueamsri and Navaporn Soontreeyapas.
Meanwhile, the traditional pro-am event kicks off Monday, featuring a select group of professionals paired with sponsors’ officials and guests in an 18-hole event.
The event fosters camaraderie and provides top contenders a chance to familiarize themselves with the challenging course ahead of the main competition. (PNA)
