Dottie Ardina gains coveted spot in US Women’s Open

MANILA, Philippines — Dottie Ardina can’t wait to slug it out with the world’s best after earning a coveted spot in the elite US Women’s Open which fires off Thursday (Friday in Manila) at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, SC.

Ardina actually fell short by one in the Westminster, Colorado qualifier last May 6 despite an eagle and a birdie in the last four holes in the last round of the two-day elims. She carded two 70s and finished a shot behind Iceland’s Olafia Kristinsdottir.

But as the first alternate, she got a call from the organizers last weekend following the withdrawal of a couple of entries, and the Filipina ace immediately drove for about seven hours from Florida to South Carolina and played nine holes to warm up for the big event.

“This is one event I’ve been looking forward to playing in,” said the ICTSI-backed Ardina.

As a full LPGA Tour card holder, Ardina didn’t fare well in her first eight tournaments, making just two cuts.

But she hopes to make the most of her opportunity in South Carolina although it will take a lot of hard work and some luck to at least make it to the weekend play given the depth of the competing field.

The stellar cast also features Filipina amateur and reigning Asian Games gold medalist Yuka Saso, who topped her side of the elims in Atlanta, Georgia.

The top 10 in women’s world ranking are all in the fold, headed by No. 1 Ko Jin-Young, No. 2 Minjee Lee of Australia, No. 3 Sung Hyun Park, fourth ranked Ariya Jutanugard of Thailand and No. 5 Hataoka Nasa.