Dottie, Cyna seek LPGA Tour berths

MANILA, Philippines - Dottie Ardina and Cyna Rodriguez exude confidence as they try to hurdle the last stumbling block leading to a dream LPGA stint – the final LPGA Qualifying School set Dec. 2-6 at the LPGA International Course in Florida.

The ace Filipina shotmakers made it to the third and final stage via different routes with Ardina finishing in the top 30 in the just-concluded Symetra Tour, the farm league of the LPGA, and Rodriguez making it through the grueling first two elims stages in recent weeks.

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little girl. Now thanks to Mr. Ricky Razon’s ICTSI golf program under coach Bong Lopez, I am within sight of becoming a touring player on the LPGA,” said Ardina.

For finishing at No. 23 at the end of the Symetra Tour, Ardina gained an automatic slot to the Q-School’s last stage where she fell short the first time out last year.

Though she’s upbeat of her chances, Ardina admits it will be tough since the rest of the pack will also be going all out in chase for the coveted berths in the LPGA Tour proper.

“I’m excited about it but I know it’ll be tough. I guess it will boil down to who wants it more,” said Ardina.

Rodriguez, on the other hand, hopes to make the most of her first crack at the world’s premier ladies golf tour. She turned in an impressive joint 17th finish in the first stage of the three-stage qualifier but struggled and barely made it to the top 80 at 71st after Stage 2.

But Rodriguez, who dominated the first three seasons of the ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, remains confident of putting it all together in the final leg.

“When Mr. Razon gave us the LPGT, all the pros, including me, were elated. I know that it is meant to give us the chance to shine. Barging into the LPGA is far more sophisticated. It’s life-changing,” said Rodriguez.