(UPDATE) A FAST start will be crucial as the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters fires off on Wednesday, launching a wide-open battle among Taiwan’s top guns, a deep Thai and Korean contingent, seasoned international campaigners and a determined Filipino cast eager to defend home turf.
The $200,000, 54-hole championship — offering a winner’s purse of $30,000 — also serves as the opening leg of the Taiwan LPGA Tour and unfolds at Summit Point Golf and Country Club, a course known for its shifting winds, demanding greens and ability to quickly expose mistakes.
With only three rounds to decide a 123-player field, contenders could surface early, leaving little margin for those who stumble out of the gate.
Leading the early favorites is Taiwan’s Min Lee, No. 2 in the Taiwan LPGA Order of Merit and a former LPGA Tour campaigner. Known for her composure and shotmaking, Lee anchors a powerful Taiwanese lineup that also includes No. 4 Chih-Min Chen, fifth-ranked Ching Huang — a former Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Midlands winner — and No. 7 Han-Hsuan Yu, all seeking to finally break through after near-misses in recent LPGT and TLPGA-sanctioned events.
Still, the course offers no guarantees.
Summit Point changes character by the hour, with elevation shifts and slick greens turning even solid shots into difficult recoveries — a great equalizer that has humbled even the most experienced players.
“The course looks great, and I really like the layout,” Lee said, pointing to the wind and the unfamiliar grass as key challenges. “It’s quite windy here, and the type of grass is something we don’t see very often, so it takes a bit of time to adjust the shots and calculations.”
Epson Tour campaigner Pauline del Rosario, joint fourth in last year’s event, draws inspiration from competing on home soil.
“Competing at home gives me extra motivation and pride,” said del Rosario. “The support from the fans inspires me to stay focused and play with confidence while representing the country the best way I can.”
For del Rosario, the stakes extend beyond the leaderboard.
“I hope this inspires more young girls to pursue golf and helps bring greater attention and support to women’s golf in the country,” she added.
Princess Superal, meanwhile, begins her season with quiet confidence and bigger ambitions.
“This week has been about steady preparation and staying focused on the basics,” said Superal. “I feel calm and positive, but I also understand how strong the competition is. My focus is on my process and learning from this tournament.”