MANILA, Philippines - In its continuing effort to help develop Philippine golf and produce world-class talents, the International Container Terminal Services Inc. will launch a first-ever ladies pro tour next month with the qualifier set this week at the South course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.
Dubbed as the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, the event will kick off an initial five-leg circuit offering a total prize fund of P2.5 million beginning May 15-17 at The Country Club, also in Laguna, with hopes of expanding it the following year.
The qualifying stage will be held May 3-4 at Cangolf’s South layout with the leading players from the country’s top clubs, including the WGAP (Women’s Golf Association of the Phl.) campaigners, expected to participate. Those scoring 160 or better after 36 holes will gain berths in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
ICTSI’s staging of the ladies pro tour thus expands the world’s top port operator’s involvement in the country’s golf’s development program. In 2009, it revived the men’s pro tour, which has become a lucrative circuit with 16 legs lined up this year, including eight offering P2.5 million each.
ICTSI is also the chief backer of the Philippine jungolf program and circuit with a year-round calendar and has maintained a pool of ladies amateur golfers, headed by international champions Dottie Ardina, Jayvie Agojo, Cyna Rodriguez and Princess Superal.
The ICTSI LPGT will offer P500,000 each leg with the winner getting P100,000.
Other venues being eyed to host the upcoming circuit are Wack Wack, Southwoods, Camp John Hay in Baguio and Canlubang with the Asian Ladies Team Championship, an annual event at John Hay, also expected to be included in the upcoming circuit’s calendar.
Registration is ongoing with fee pegged at P5,000. For details, contact Jocelyn Duque at 0915-7824751 or email philippinegolftour@yahoo.com.