Del Rosario seeks 5th LPGT victory

Pauline del Rosario seeks to cap a sterling rookie season with another victory in the ICTSI South Forbes Ladies Invitational blasting off Tuesday at South Forbes Golf Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The 19-year-old rising star, however, expects an uphill battle in the next three days against a tough field featuring three of the country’s leading players plus a slew of foreigners out to foil the locals’ bid in the P750,000 event capping a record 11-stage Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“We have a good field so whoever hits it more consistently will fare well,” said Del Rosario, who scored her maiden pro win in her fourth tournament at Orchard then followed it up with victories in Baguio, Pradera Verde and Splendido.

In between, she also ruled a Taiwan LPGA event last September, becoming the first Filipino to win in one of the region’s leading circuits.

Del Rosario also believes the short but tricky par-67 course poses so much challenge for the women of the tour sponsored by ICTSI.

“It’s super up-and-down, so you have to be accurate with your shots, especially irons and putting,” said Del Rosario, who picks Dottie Ardina, Cyna Rodriguez and Princess Superal as the players to watch in the event put up by Pilipinas Golf Tournamenst, Inc.