BIANCA Pagdanganan narrowly missed forcing a playoff for the bronze medal in women’s golf at the Paris Olympics last Saturday, carding a final round 68 at Le Golf National that left her tied for fourth place overall.
She had a four-day total of 282 alongside Hannah Green, Amy Yang and Miyu Yamashita.
China’s Xiyu Lin clinched the bronze with a closing birdie for a 69, finishing at 281.
The other Pinoy bet, Dottie Ardina, also made a strong finish, carding a 68 to tie for 13th at 285.
Lydia Ko of New Zealand won the gold medal with a final round 71 and a 278 total while Esther Henseleit of Germany secured the silver with a blazing final round 66 for a 280 total.
Pagdanganan went all out in her final round play, later saying: “I don’t know how else to put it, I really wanted it. I want our name up there. I want them to know that we’re great athletes and this isn’t just for golf.”
She also took the occasion to bat for more support for Pinoy athletes, saying: “We’ve excelled in other sports, and I think it’s a great wake-up call for people back home that we can excel in sports if you could just find someone to support; that would be great.”
