PH golfers eyeing strong start to Sirikit campaign

TEAM Philippines hopes to come up with a fast start for the needed momentum and confidence as it opens its bid in the 37th Queen Sirikit Cup today at Hong Kong Golf Club’s New Course in Fanling.

A series of tournaments leading to this week’s competition has toughened up Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario and Yuka Saso for the big event, with the troika trying to end the country’s long quest for the Asia-Pacific Ladies golf team championship.

Dottie Ardina, now campaigning in the Symetra Tour in the US, nearly anchored the Philippines to the coveted crown when she ruled the individual competition in 2011 in New Delhi but failed to draw the needed back-up from Chihiro Ikeda and Jayvie Agojo as they fell short by four to powerhouse Korea and settled for second.

Coach Bong Lopez stressed the need to come up with a solid start and at least match the expected early surge of title favorites South Korea and Australia.

“The girls are confident and in high spirits. But they need a strong start given the depth of the field,” said Lopez.