Top amateurs, rising stars aim to reclaim title at Philippine Ladies Open

Locals aim to reclaim Philippine Ladies Open title

MANILA, Philippines — The stage is set for a spirited showdown as the Philippine Ladies Open gets going Tuesday at the Manila Golf Club, with the country’s top amateurs and rising junior stars determined to wrest the crown back on home soil.

When the championship was last held at MGC in 2024, Grace Quintanilla outdueled Laurea Duque by two strokes in a stirring finish. But the title slipped out of Filipino hands last year at the Valley Golf Club, where young Korean standout Yunju An nipped Lisa Sarines by one after a dramatic last-hole flourish.

That narrow defeat continues to fuel Sarines, who returns this week with a burning resolve to settle unfinished business. The rising young star has made no secret of her goal — to reclaim the championship for the Philippines and redeem herself after coming agonizingly close.

She won’t be alone in carrying the local charge.

Twin sister Mona Sarines, who placed seventh last year, has steadily sharpened her game and looms as another serious contender. With added maturity and experience, she is eager to step up and help restore local pride.

The Philippine contingent runs deep and talent-rich.

Junior Philippine Golf Tour standouts Tashanah Balangauan and Marqaela Dy of Cebu, Johanna Uyking of Davao, and Del Monte’s Isabella Tabanas are all looking to translate regional success onto the national stage. Each has shown the poise and scoring ability to challenge more seasoned competitors.

Veteran internationalist Precious Zaragosa, a decorated junior campaigner, adds leadership and firepower to the cast, while Lia Duque, Aerin Chan, Chloe Ang, Bea Lapus, Alessandra Luciano, Anya Cedo and Reese Ng complete a formidable home roster blending experience and youthful fearlessness.

While Hong Kong’s Alanna Tee, Thailand’s Tanjira Issaraphon and Ngampan Chantana, and Singapore’s Passion Hsu bring strong international credentials, the Filipinas appear unified by a common mission: reclaim the crown and reassert their dominance on familiar fairways.

Spread over three days, the 54-hole championship shapes up as a sprint, placing premium value on a fast start. But with the Manila Golf Club’s meticulously maintained layout expected to challenge shotmaking precision and putting touch, staying steady down the stretch will prove just as decisive.

With pride, redemption and national bragging rights on the line, the battle promises to be an intense all-around showcase of skill and nerve.

Aside from the premier Open division, titles in Classes A and B will also be disputed, ensuring fierce competition across various skill levels. (Pool story)