Ardina shines on ICTSI tiff return, seizes lead in opener

MANILA, Philippines – Dottie Ardina returned to the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour with aplomb, conquering the unfamiliar challenges of the Valley Golf Club Executive Course at the foot of Antipolo with a three-under-par 69 that thrust her into the lead in the opening round of the ICTSI Valley Golf Ladies Challenge Tuesday.

A hesitant entry in the 54-hole tourney, Ardina, just the same, displayed her brilliance, firing four birdies against a bogey as she outclassed the high-powered field through the first 18 holes of the 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 Guoguio 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 break in her search for a full card in the LPGA Tour.

“It’s tight and very challenging. Ang bagal ng green. The greens here 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 second hole, Ardina three-putted for her lone bogey.

“Madami pa akong na-miss, but it’s okay. I’m just enjoying the tourney. Actually, hindi dapat ako lalaro,” 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 71 at 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,” said Ardina of the course condition bedeviling most of the field.

Chabon played even par 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 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 am 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. We struggled in putting,” said Ardina.