Pauline del Rosario tries to leave the amateur ranks with a bang as she sets out carrying local hopes in the Philippine Ladies Open Golf Championship that tees off today at well-manicured Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s West Course in Mandaluyong.
Turning pro after next week’s Pradera Challenge, the 18-year-old Del Rosario is tipped as one of the players to watch for a Philippine contingent that aims to keep the prestigious title on home soil.
Atthaya Thithikul, Napabhach Boon-In and Tunrada Piddon of Thailand lead the foreign bets out to snatch the title won by the decorated Princess Superal last year.
Yuka Saso, meanwhile, shoots for a second national crown basically against the same foreign field but will be up for an interesting challenge with the members of the The Country Club team lead by Del Rosario.
“I don’t give too much consideration on who I would be playing with,” said Del Rosario, who swept her last three international events last month. “I want to focus on my game and be the best out there.”
Abby Arevalo, the PAL Ladies individual champion in Bacolod two years ago, Mikaela Fortuna, Bernice Ilas and Sofia Chabon are the other TCC members likely to contend for the crown in the 54-hole event supported by Inquirer.
Harmie Constantino, who was dislodged by Saso in last week’s Philippine Amateur at Riviera, sets out to atone for a disappointing outing over a course that gives premium on precise approaches rather than length.