Pinays one-two in Portland

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine pride took the spotlight at the start of The Standard Portland Classic – a Fil-Am at the lead and a Filipina breathing down her neck.

Mariel Galdiano, a Hawaiian of Filipino parentage, shot a 7-under 65 with – nine birdies, two bogeys – in the second group off No. 1 and held the first-round lead at the 6,478-yard, par-72 Columbia-Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Oregon Thursday.

“I love coming up to the Pacific Northwest,” said Galdiano of the tree-lined layout. “Like great weather, good food. It’s kind of close to Hawaii for me, so I feel pretty relaxed out here.”

Two-time Olympian Bianca Pagdanganan, meanwhile, submitted a 6-under 66 –  spiked by an eagle and six birdies against two bogeys – for a share of second.

For Philippine golf, it’s been a while since a Filipina made a strong showing in the LPGA. Thursday in Portland – Fil-Am leads, Filipina chases, and it’s a good sign.

With Pagdanganan a stroke off the pace were Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion Maria Jose Marin, 20, of Colombia, 2025 NCAA individual champion at Arkansas who had five straight birdies on the front nine with father carrying her bag; Thai Arpichaya Yubol; German Olivia Cowan; Australian Grace Kim; Korean Hye-Jin Choi and Irish Lauren Walsh.

“I think I reached like a flow state that I haven’t reached in a while. After the British Open I didn’t play my best golf, and I think getting that confidence back with this round is all that I needed,” said Marin.

On dad caddying, she said: “I fully trust every break that he gave me.”

At 67 were Korean Haeran Ryu, 24, winner of the last two majors – KPMG Women’s PGA and Amundi Evian – and a large group headed by Jin Young Ko.

Lexi Thompson, 30, 11-time LPGA winner, opened with 73, two days after announcing on Instagram she and husband Max Provost are expecting a baby girl in February.