The country’s perennial regional rivals won five of the 12 LPGT tournaments in 2018 and ruled the first of two legs of the new season, making them the players to watch in the P750,000 event which features the country’s top guns and a couple of South Korean aces.
Sirisampant won at Southwoods in her first LPGT stint in 2015 while Ngam-usawan scored a breakthrough at Royal Northwoods in 2016 with the likes of Tiranan Yoopan, Alisara Wedchakama, Aunchisa Utama, Mookharin Ladgratok, Saraporn Chamchoi and Chonlada Chayanun firming up the Thais’ title drive in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
But they will be in for a tough outing with two-time LPGT Champion Tour titlist Lee Jeong Hwa out to re-stamp her class, together with compatriot Lee Ji Hyeon, who topped the kickoff leg of the new LPGT season in the ICTSI Camp John Hay Ladies Championship last October.
The locals, however, will also be coming in full force, guaranteeing a fiery chase for top honors at the short, flat but tricky Beverly Place Golf Club layout with LPGA Tour-bound Dottie Ardina leading the hosts’ bid.
Pauline del Rosario, Princess Superal, Cyna Rodriguez and Chihiro Ikeda are likewise raring to join the title hunt with Daniella Uy, Marvi Monsalve, Alex Etter and Gretchen Villacencio also hoping to sneak into contention along with Lisa Kang of the US, Valerie Tan of Brunei and Baek Soo Kyung and Bang Choeun of Korea.
With only the top 15 after 36 holes advancing to the final round, expect a spirited battle right from the start with amateurs Mafy Singson, Samantha Dizon, Eagle Ace Superal and Arnie Taguines of The Country Club along with Laurea Duque and Marianne Bustos spicing up the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Empire Golf and Sports and M.Y. Shokai Technology Inc.
