Dottie Ardina heads the 32-player strong Philippine contingent in the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters at The Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna on Feb. 12 to 14, 2025. The event also features top players from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. (Contributed photo)
Filipina golfer Dottie Ardina is eager to make her presence felt at the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters, which tees off Wednesday at The Country Club (TCC) in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Fresh off her campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 31-year-old golfer has rigorously prepared for the tournament, fine-tuning her swing and sharpening her game. While she remains focused on performing at her best, Ardina emphasized that she is not setting any specific expectations.
“I don’t really expect anything, but the goal is always to win and do my best,” she shared in a statement on Sunday.
Ardina, a seasoned campaigner on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, is thrilled to compete on a course that holds sentimental value, having played there extensively during her amateur days.
“It’s very exciting to play TCC again in tournament mode, not just in practice,” she said.
The 54-hole tournament, offering a total prize purse of $200,000, has attracted a strong field of competitors. Among those joining Ardina are Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Mikha Fortuna, Florence Bisera, Mafy Singson, Harmie Constantino, LK Go, Chihiro Ikeda, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum, Gretchen Villacencio, and Sunshine Baraquiel, along with Korean golf prodigy Tiffany Lee.
These local stars will face stiff competition from top players representing the Korean LPGA Dream Tour, the Taiwan LPGA (TLPGA), and the Thailand LPGA. Ardina welcomes the international presence, believing it will elevate the level of play.
“It’s great to host these international players. I’m excited to see how they will perform at TCC, given its exacting challenge,” she said. “The presence of the Korean LPGA players is a great motivation for our local golfers and other Asian competitors.”
The Korean contingent includes 2025 Indonesian Open champion Hwang Yoona and runner-up Cho Jeongmin, Song Gae-un, Sohn Yebeen, Park Ye-Ji, and Yoo Dagyeom.
Representing Taiwan are TLPGA No. 4 Li Ning Wang, Chen Chih Min, Ching Huang, Chang Hsuan Ping, and Chang Yi Han.
Meanwhile, Thailand is fielding a formidable lineup led by PK Kongkraphan, Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Kamonwan Lueamsri, and Navaporn Soontreeyapas.
Before the main event kicks off, a pro-am tournament will take place on Monday. This 18-hole competition will bring together a select group of professional golfers, tournament sponsors, and special guests. This event fosters camaraderie and gives the contenders an opportunity to get a feel for TCC’s notoriously challenging course.
With an elite field and high stakes, the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters is set to be an exciting showdown, and Ardina is more than ready to rise to the challenge.