The ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters kicks off today (Wednesday, Feb. 12) with a promise of top-tier competition, a prestigious title, and a challenging course that will test the skills and mental fortitude of a formidable 132-player field.
A formidable 131-player field is set to test their skills and mental fortitude on a layout known for its length, tricky contours, and shifting conditions.
With the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) fielding their strongest contenders, and a determined Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) contingent eager to defend home turf, the three-day, $200,000 championship is expected to deliver high drama and intense rivalries.
This is the first KLPGA-sanctioned event in the Philippines, in partnership with the LPGT and TLPGA, adding significance to the tour calendar and drawing a mix of rising stars and seasoned pros.
Leading the Korean challenge is Hwang Yoon, fresh from a dramatic playoff victory over compatriot Cho Yeongmin at the Indonesian Women’s Open.
Hwang kicks off her back-to-back title bid alongside compatriot Kim Seoyoon 2 and Taiwan’s Polly Huang, teeing off from No. 10 at 8:39 a.m.
She will be followed by Cho’s group, which features Thailand’s Prima Thammaraks and Lucy Landicho.
Meanwhile, Ardina faces off against Korean Jiwon Ko and amateur Juliane Gaerlan at 7:36 a.m., also starting from the backside. Right after, del Rosario takes on Aoi Mako and Indonesia’s Natalia Yoko in her group.
Both are expected to be in contention again on a demanding course that requires precision, resilience, and strategic mastery.
Other KLPGA Tour veterans bolster the lineup, including 2021 KLPGA top rookie Song Ga-eun, former national team standout Sohn Yebeen, and international players Yoo Dagyeom, Wakui Mayu, Aoi Mako, and Chayanit Wangmahaporn.
Their presence underscores the KLPGA’s growing global influence, bringing its brand of elite competition beyond Korea.
Taiwan, Thailand Players Ready to Challenge Korea
While the Koreans are the tournament favorites, contenders from Taiwan and Thailand are determined to seize the moment.
The TLPGA’s top challengers include Order of Merit No. 4 Li Ning Wang, along with Chen Chih Min, Ching Huang, and Chang Yi Han, all bringing experience and consistency to the field.
The Thai contingent is equally formidable, featuring Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Kamonwan Lueamsri, and Navaporn Soontreeyapas.
With Thailand emerging as a dominant force in women’s golf, these players have the pedigree and firepower to challenge for the title and disrupt Korea’s dominance.
Filipino Stars Eye Victory on Home Soil
The Philippines is well-represented by its top LPGT players, led by Pauline del Rosario and Dottie Ardina, who both delivered strong performances in Indonesia.
Joining them are Asia Pacific Cup champion Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Mikha Fortuna, Florence Bisera, and reigning LPGT Order of Merit winner Harmie Constantino.
The home squad also features a mix of veterans and young talents, including LK Go, Chihiro Ikeda, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, and comebacking Sunshine Baraquiel.
Adding further depth to the Filipino challenge is Korean-Filipino rising star Tiffany Lee.
Beyond the prestige of winning the championship, a major incentive awaits non-Korean champions—an I-TOUR membership and a Dream Tour seed for the remainder of the season and the following year.
This opportunity ensures a fiercely contested tournament, as players outside the KLPGA look to secure a coveted spot in one of Asia’s most competitive circuits.
