Ardina sputters with 74 in LPGA opener

MANILA, Philippines - Dottie Ardina’s drive for the coveted LPGA Tour card got off to a faulty start as she struggled with a two-over 74 at the Hills Course and fell to joint 88th in the first round of the 90-hole LPGA Tour’s Final Qualifying Tournament at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida Thursday.

Ardina failed to get going at the tougher Hills layout which nevertheless yielded two 65s from Grehan Megan and Jeray Nicole and fumbled with that 74 to join 17 others in the two-over par scorers group.

But the Filipina ace hopes to bounce back strong in the second as she plays the easier Jones Course which produced a run of under par scores in the opening day, including the tournament-leading, record-breaking 10-under 62 by Jaye Marie Green and a pair of 66s by Joh Tiffany and Seon Hwa Lee.

This week’s field is well represented on a global scale, including 27 countries and 30 states. But only 20 qualifiers on Sunday will earn Category 12 status for the 2014 LPGA Tour while those who finish 21st through 45 and ties will earn membership in Category 17.

After 72 holes, the field will be cut to the low 70 players plus. All others who make the cut will receive Symetra Tour status. After Sunday’s final round, the top 20 finishers will earn Category 12 status for the 2014 LPGA Tour season, while those who finish 21st through 45th and ties will earn Category 17.