Hwang makes pro debut at Splendido

Hwang Min-jeong, the former Korean amateur who triumphed at Mt. Malarayat in 2015, seeks to mark her pro debut in winning fashion as she joins the hunt in the ICTSI Splendido Ladies Classic starting on Tuesday at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Hwang trounced the likes of Princess Superal and Cyna Rodriguez in a final round skirmish in Lipa City, Batangas, four years ago. She also ruled the Philippine Amateur Championship last year and is expected to contend for the title in the P750,000 tournament.

But Hwang will be tested as the rest of the huge 49-player field includes such aces as Superal and last week’s runaway winner Dottie Ardina.

Ardina picked apart Beverly Place and ruled the tournament despite a strong challenge from Thai standouts.

But the Thais also seek to rebound from their failed bid at Beverly Place with another full-packed roster headed by Punpaka Phuntumabamrung, Chonlada Chayanun and Ornnicha Konsunthea.

Former two-time LPGT Champion Tour titlist Lee Jeong-hwa of Korea is likewise eager to rebound from her missed cut stint last week while compatriot Lee Ji-hyeon tries to atone for her 14th place finish in her pro debut after topping the Baguio kickoff leg of the seventh season of the circuit put up by ICTSI.