BIANCA Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina launch their campaign in the Paris Olympic Games golf tournament today, Wednesday, at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines.
Although they are not considered among the favorites, both players are eager to prove their worth in the 60-player field.
Pagdanganan is set to tee off alongside Spain’s Azahara Muñoz and Swiss golfer Morgane Metraux at 11:06 a.m.
Known as one of the LPGA Tour’s longest hitters, Pagdanganan, 26, finished 43rd in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. This time, the seasoned former national team standout is aiming for a more commendable performance against the world’s elite.
“I’ve learned so much about my game since the Tokyo Games, and about myself and how I handle myself on the golf course,” Pagdanganan shared in a recent interview.
Despite the pressure of competing on the biggest stage, she embraces the challenge.
“I think there’s still a bit of nerves, but at the same time, these are the moments you work towards. They say that pressure is a privilege, and every chance I get, I try to soak it in because you don’t get these opportunities all the time,” she said. “My level of maturity on the course is better now, and I know how to handle the nerves and perform under pressure.”
ICTSI teammate Ardina is setting realistic expectations for her Olympic debut but is determined to show that she can compete with the world’s best.
The 30-year-old veteran of the LPGA and Epson Tours begins her campaign at 10:44 a.m. with Finland’s Noora Komulainen and Norway’s Madelene Stavnar.
