Dottie back, tames Valley for lead

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Bred from the rigors of US women’s tours, Dottie Ardina came home to conquer unfamiliar terrain and reclaim a familair spot at the helm with a three-under 69 in the opening round of the ICTSI Valley Golf Ladies Challenge at the Valley Execeutive Course in Antipolo yesterday.

Ardina fired four birdies against a bogey as she outclassed the high-powered field through the first 18 holes of three-day event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Playing the rolling Antipolo layout for the first time, the Canlubang lass held her ground and took a two-shot lead over Lovelyn Guiguio, who carded a 71, as she went three under with three birdies in the last five holes.

“It’s my first time here. And each time I’m on an unfamiliar course, my motto is to beat it,” said Ardina, on a break in her search for a full card on the LPGA Tour.

“It’s tight and very challenging. The greens are slow. They are exact opposite of the greens in the LPGA,” Ardina also said, ruing some missed birdie opportunities.

Misreading her putting line from 30 feet on the par-3 No. 3, Ardina three-putted for her lone bogey in the opening round of the P500,000 event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Nike, Pacsports, Custom Clubmakers and Sharp.

“I missed a lot of birdie chances, but it’s okay. I’m just enjoying the tourney. Actually, hindi dapat ako lalaro (I was not supposed to play),” said Ardina, staying in the country for less than two months before returning to the United States to resume her hunt for an LPGA full card.

At present, the former national mainstay is just in the Top 21-45 of the LPGA qualifying school, allowed to play in partial events.

Guioguio, No. 8 in the ICTSI Tour Order of Merit, also made a searing charge going home, carding four birdies against two bogeys in the backnine for a one-under-par card for solo second.

Young amateur player Sofia Chabon started with three straight birdies, setting the pace early on before Ardina and Guioguio surged ahead in the round played under winter rules.

“Grabe ang putik (It’s muddy out there),” said Ardina of the course condition bedeviling most of the field.

Chabon played even par 72 and the rest submitted above-par scores, including Order of Merit leader Cyna Rodriguez, who had three three-putt bogeys for 75 at solo ninth.

Thai Amolkan Phalajivin, winner of the ICTSI  Splendido leg last month, pooled nines of 38-35 for 73 at fourth place, followed by a group of two-over-par 74 scorers in Jayvie Agojo, Lucy Landicho, amateur Sam Bruce and Korean amateur Hwang Min Jeong.

Mia Piccio and Anya Tanpinco both shot a 76 then came another big group of 77 scorers including amateur Bernice Olivarez-Ilas, Sarah Ababa, Korean am Euna Ko, Eva Minoza and Abby Arevalo.

Olivarez-Ilas had a decent round despite an injured right foot, playing in a flight with Ardina and Rodriguez.

“We all hit well. But we struggled in putting,” said Ardina.