ICTSI Ladies PGT elims under way

MANILA, Philippines - The chase for berths in the inaugural ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour begins today with the top and rising players from the country’s premier clubs, including the WGAP (Women’s Golf Association of the Phl.) campaigners, leading the hunt at the South course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Sta. Elena’s Carina Ricamonte, Cangolf’s Lina de Guzman, Marissa Romano of Orchard, Alabang’s Lorna Tabuena, Del Monte’s Eva Miñoza and Apple Fudolin and Nikki and Sam Bruce head the cast in the two-day qualifier organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Those scoring 160 or better after 36 holes will gain spots in the circuit, put up by the sponsoring International Container Terminal Services, Inc to give the country’s lady golfers a pro tour of their own and at the same time further develop women’s golf.

Former and current lady pros, however, are given outright berths in the tour proper, which kicks off May 15-17 at The Country Club in Laguna. The LPGT membership fee is pegged at P3,000.

Others given automatic seats in the circuit are former members of the national team and the ICTSI ladies amateur squad, including Dottie Ardina, Jayvie Agojo and Lovelynn Guioguio.

ICTSI, also the chief backer of the men’s pro tour, the jungolf circuit and the ladies amateur squad, has lined up a five-stage circuit to kick off the ICTSI Ladies PGT maiden season with Wack Wack, Manila Southwoods, Camp John Hay and Canlubang being eyed to host the other legs.

Each stage will offer a total prize fund of P500,000 with the winner getting P100,000.

Organizers of the Asian Ladies Team Championship, an annual event at Camp John Hay in Baguio, have also signified their intention to include the event in the ICTSI LPGT calendar.