UNDER the revised Asian Games competition rules, pro golfer Bianca Pagdanganan could be back in harness for the national team in the 19th edition set on Sept. 23 to Oct 8 in Hangzhou, China.
“The Olympic Council of Asia has revised the Asian Games competition rules so that pros are now allowed to play in the sportsfest so we might tap Bianca back for Hangzhou,” golf secretary general Bones Floro said.
Now playing in the US LPGA tour, Pagdanganan bagged a gold and bronze medal, respectively, in the women’s team and individual events of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In her last national team stint, Pagdanganan anchored the Philippines to a sweep of the team and individual gold medals in the 2019 Philippine Southeasts Asian Games golf tournament at the Hacienda Luisita Golf Club in Tarlac.
Floro said that allowing pros to compete in the continental sports showcase was the result of the lobbying of South Korea, whose pro golfers would be exempt from compulsory military duty should they win in the quadrennial competition.
“With South Korea lobbying on behalf of its pro golfers, who would be exempted from required military duty should they win in the Asian Games, OCA and the rest of its members conceded to the request,” he said.
Also the deputy secretary general of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Floro said that Pagdanganan’s experience could be an asset for the national team in the Hangzhou Asian Games as she blends with younger team members.
“We know that given Bianca’s experience, she can lead the other national team members so that they can perform well in the next Asian Games. Hopefully, she is available,” he said.
