Pauline del Rosario brings both prestige and promise to the upcoming ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge, set to fire off Sept. 2 at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, Murcia.
The P750,000 tournament, serving as the fifth leg of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, shapes up to be a showcase of top-tier talent, with Del Rosario spearheading a deep field of decorated veterans and hungry challengers.
Currently campaigning on the Epson Tour, Del Rosario’s return to the local circuit isn’t just a reunion with familiar faces – it’s a mission to reclaim her dominance on home soil.
The 26-year-old shotmaker burst onto the LPGT scene in 2017 with four wins and an Order of Merit title, then took her talents abroad in pursuit of LPGA dreams. While a full-time LPGA card still eludes her, she remains steadfast and optimistic about her trajectory.
However, a triumphant homecoming won’t come easy. A competitive field awaits Del Rosario in the 54-hole championship at the tricky Bacolod Golf and Country Club. The par-70 layout is short on paper but long on difficulty, with narrow fairways, unpredictable winds and small, elevated greens that demand precise shot-making and a deft short game.
Del Rosario isn’t the only player coming in with momentum. Princess Superal, a former OOM winner and Asia Pacific Cup champion, is eyeing back-to-back wins following a dramatic playoff triumph over Sarah Ababa in a recent LPGT stop.
Superal, known for her consistency and composure under pressure, will be a major threat as she seeks to build on her recent resurgence, while Ababa has been one of the tour’s most consistent performers this season and is overdue for another victory.
The chase for the title doesn’t end there. Harmie Constantino, Chihiro Ikeda, Florence Bisera and Mafy Singson – all former LPGT leg champions – are also part of the stacked roster. Constantino, in particular, is hungry to bounce back after a string of subpar finishes, while Ikeda remains a perennial contender with her experience and grit.
Adding international flavor to the event is Korean Tiffany Lee, whose strong transition from the Junior PGT circuit to the pro ranks has been impressive. With solid fundamentals and growing confidence, Lee could be a dark horse in the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized event.
Lois Kaye Go, a former national team standout, also returns to the circuit looking for her professional breakthrough. She will be joined by fellow rising talents Kayla Nocum, Annika Cedo, Rev Alcantara, Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil and Korean Seoyun Kim – all eager to make their mark.
Local pride will also be at stake, with Bacolod Golf and Country Club Operations manager Cara Golez hoping to leverage her intimate knowledge of the Binitin layout for a surprise finish. Also in the mix are seasoned campaigners like Gretchen Villacencio, Kristine Fleetwood and Eva Miñoza.
