Golf: Dottie Ardina takes early lead at Philippine Ladies Open
Dottie Ardina fired a round of two-under-par 70 against the torment winds on Wednesday evening to swirl into a two-stroke lead over reigning queen Cyna Rodriguez in the Philippine Ladies Open Amateur Golf Championship.
The tournament kicked off at the majestic course of The Country Club Laguna amidst overcast weather. Despite the hurdle, Ardina gave a superb start and nested three birdies against a bogey.
The amateur was being doubted for a slow start and weak control on the irons, but Ardina proved everyone wrong. Her driving accuracy soared to 74 per cent and her putting accuracy demonstrated her command over the putter.
For the ones who have no clue of who Ardina is, here is a hint. In 2002, she appeared in the Philippine Ladies Open, when she was still a minor and stunned the spectators with her 18th spot finish. Once again, the iron crasher is back and this
time she is eyeing the title. Before stepping onto the first tee, Ardina told the press with utmost confidence, “Yes, I think I’m ready to win this time.”
The 17-year-old was extremely happy for her early success, which is why she could not stop laughing. While speaking to the press over her under par score, Ardina said, “It's tough out there, with the wind blowing, the tough pin placements, and the speed
of the greens so difficult to read. I think I was just lucky enough to sink those long putts.”
Despite having an early edge, Ardina will have to put in extra effort to shed aside players like Rodriguez. Two strokes behind, the Latina produced a steady, but quite a shallow round. She tried netting a birdie at the ninth hole to counter off the bogey
at the eight, but failed to impress the crowd.
With two more rounds left to decide the rightful heiress to the coveted crown of Philippine Ladies Open, the teenager will have to work on her wedges and drivers, as they are the only tools that would help her.
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