Pagdanganan regains form, back in the hunt
MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Pagdanganan appears to be rediscovering the form that once made her one of the most feared hitters in women’s golf — and the timing could not be better.
Fresh off a stirring late charge in Las Vegas, the Filipina Olympian sustained her resurgence Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) by dominating a grueling 36-hole US Women’s Open sectional qualifier in Westminster, Colorado, securing the lone berth at stake for next month’s major championship at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
And remarkably, Pagdanganan did it with barely any familiarity with the course.
Without playing a practice round at the Walnut Creek Golf Preserve and competing in Colorado for only the second time in her career, Pagdanganan relied on instinct, power and confidence to fashion a brilliant seven-under 137 built around rounds of 68 and 69.
“You know, sometimes it’s better going in blind,” said Pagdanganan after topping one of 26 sectional eliminations for the world’s premier women’s championship scheduled June 4-7.
“It’s like, ‘I see the fairway, hit the fairway, get it done.’ But I was able to practice a bit on the range and the putting green. I tried to get my numbers dialed in because I know that the altitude makes a huge difference. So being able to get that done yesterday definitely helped me today,” she told Colorado Golf Association News.
Tied with fellow ICTSI-backed Olympian Dottie Ardina after the morning round, Pagdanganan pulled away in the afternoon with steadier play and superior shot-making, finishing three shots clear of amateur Rayee Feng of Short Hills, New Jersey, and pro Sarah Rincones, who settled for first alternate honors.
Amateur Lauren Nguyen placed fourth at three-under, while Ardina faded with a 74 after an opening 68 and missed out by four shots.
Pagdanganan’s victory was highlighted by an eagle, 13 birdies and eight bogeys — an aggressive display that underscored both her confidence and her return to competitive rhythm.
The qualification marks her third appearance in the US Women’s Open after previously making the field in 2020 and 2022.
So the third time could be the charm.
“It’s the US Open. Everyone wants to be able to play the US Open with it being one of five majors. And I think every year they just continue to raise the bar for us. That’s why people want to experience it. It definitely means a lot, and I’m excited to go to Riviera for the first time,” she said.
Now 28, Pagdanganan is playing a mixed schedule this season between the LPGA Tour, where she has conditional status, and the Epson Tour as she works toward a full return to the sport’s biggest stage.
Her strong showing in Colorado came on the heels of an encouraging performance at last week’s Reliance Matrix Championship in Nevada, where she rallied with closing rounds of 65 and 67 to salvage a Top 10 finish after barely surviving the cut line in a tie for 60th.
That momentum clearly carried over into Tuesday’s qualifier.
“I think it means a lot more knowing that you kind of have to go through such a grind — 36 holes,” she said. “That’s what makes it extra special. I like being able to perform on big stages and seeing where my game is at. I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I’m able to present myself.”
The challenge, however, was immense.
Not only did the field feature several players with LPGA Tour experience, but only one qualifying spot was available — leaving virtually no margin for error.
“Anything can happen in 36 holes,” said Pagdanganan. “I feel like anyone can get through. Anyone can play their best golf, so it’s very difficult when you’re fighting for one spot. But I came out here with the mindset of just wanting to play my best golf, and I guess that helped me.”
Still, the finish was anything but stress-free.
Pagdanganan stumbled briefly with three consecutive bogeys starting at No. 14, allowing the chasing pack to creep within two shots. But instead of unraveling, she stayed composed under pressure.
“I tried to stay chill,” she said.
She responded by parring the demanding par-3 17th before producing a clutch up-and-down from a greenside bunker on the closing par-5 hole, draining a six-foot birdie putt to emphatically seal her US Women’s Open return.
“I’m proud of myself for getting through the longest day in golf,” she said. “I felt pretty confident out here and really good about my game. Being able to push through and get it done after such a long day — I think I needed that boost for the rest of the season.”
And with confidence steadily building and her game trending upward again, Pagdanganan suddenly looks poised to become a serious contender once more.
Her next test comes immediately at the Copper Rock Championship in Hurricane, Utah, where she hopes to sustain the momentum from what could prove to be a pivotal breakthrough in her season — and perhaps in her return journey to the LPGA’s elite ranks.
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