Ardina seeks back-to-back LPGT crowns

MANILA, Philippines - Dottie Ardina gears up for another fierce battle but remains upbeat of her chances for a second straight win when the second leg of the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour is held June 18-20 at the North course of the Canlubang Golf and Country Club in Laguna.

The former amateur ace needed a flawless final round 65 to repulse former ICTSI teammate Princess Superal and hack out a one-stroke win at The Country Club, marking her pro debut with a victory in the inaugural staging of the ladies pro circuit.

Heading to the P500,000 event at Cangolf, one of her training courses during her checkered amateur career, Ardina exudes confidence, pointing to her form and attitude that helped make her one of the country’s most decorated amateur players.

“I always carry a winning attitude every time I compete,” said Ardina, a former Junior World champion. “Especially coming off a victory, I am very confident of my (title) chances.”

With Superal, now the country’s leading amateur, skipping the second leg to vie in the Suntory Open on the Japan Ladies PGA Tour, and first leg third placer Cyna Rodriguez set to vie in the US, Jayvie Agojo is expected to provide the challenge along with Lovelynn Guioguio, Sarah Ababa, Lina de Guzman, Reb Bareng, Apple Fudolin and Anya Tanpinco.

Focus will also be on amateur sisters Nikki and Sam Bruce, who humbled the veterans by posting a 1-2 finish during the recent LPGT qualifiers, held at the adjacent South layout.

Former Philippine Ladies Open champion Heidi Chua is also expected to bounce back strong from an 18th place finish the first time out along with Lucy Landicho, Eva Miñoza, Sylvia Torres and Tracy Que.

A former top amateur is also expected to join the title hunt for the top P100,000 purse in the 54-hole championship sponsored by ICTSI and backed by Gatorade, Sharp and Custom Clubmakers.

Other amateurs seeing action are Bernice Ilas, Harmie Constantino, Yuka Sasu, Pauline del Rosario and Sofia Chabon of the ICTSI golf squad.