DAVAO – Sarah Ababa, riding high on her recent triumph on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, is gearing up for another strong performance in the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship, set to kick off on Tuesday here.
Fresh from her impressive comeback victory at Apo, Ababa exudes confidence as she prepares to face the same field she conquered at home. However, her main challenge lies in navigating the unfamiliar terrain at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, where she hasn’t played in over two decades.
Challenge of unfamiliar course
“Despite being from Davao, I haven’t played at Palos Verdes in 20 years,” said Ababa. “But I’ll approach the tournament with the same determination and strategic mindset.”
Adding to her confidence is the presence of her father, Edgar, serving as her caddie. While he could have competed in the men’s event last week, he opted to support his daughter, offering invaluable guidance on the path to victory.
Ababa's victory marks her first win since defeating Chihiro Ikeda and Hwang Min-jeong at Sherwood Hills in 2015.
Singson, Fortuna lurk
With a different course layout at Palos Verdes, Ababa is prepared for a challenging battle from the field, which includes contenders Mafy Singson and Mikha Fortuna, both eager for redemption after falling short in their title bids in the circuit’s kickoff leg sponsored by ICTSI.
Singson, a two-time LPGT champion as an amateur, faced early setbacks in the final round, relinquishing a four-stroke lead and failing to mount a backside rally, settling for second place in her pro debut.
Likewise, Fortuna is determined to make up for her third-place finish, alongside Harmie Constantino, Laurea Duque, Miya Legaspi, Rev Alcantara, Florence Bisera, Marvi Monsalve, Pamela Mariano, and Ikeda, among others.
Former national teammate Lois Kaye Go, aiming for a strong comeback after her 10th place finish in her first pro tournament, and Velinda Castil, eager to improve after missing the cut despite a strong joint runner-up effort in Del Monte last year, are also in the mix.
As Ababa gears up for the 54-hole championship, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf, she remains focused on maintaining her winning momentum and securing another successful outing this week.
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