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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Golf devider Pagdanganan aims for bigger prize after successful LPGA debut

Pagdanganan aims for bigger prize after successful LPGA debut

Published Jan 26, 2021 06:27 pm
Bianca Pagdanganan
Bianca Pagdanganan of the Phillipines hits a tee shot on the third hole during the third round of the Marathon LPGA Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club on August 08, 2020 in Sylvania, Ohio. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images / AFP )

Bianca Pagdanganan is aiming for bigger things after making a good impression in her maiden appearance in the US LPGA Tour.

The 23-year-old said she’s eager to become a better version of herself in the LPGA circuit following a rookie season highlighted by a top 10 finish in one of the five majors and a third place showing in a regular event.

“I think for me, it is important to aim high,” Pagdanganan said after being introduced as the newest brand ambassador of Smart Sports in a virtual press conference. 

“Usually coming over there (LPGA), you don’t have much expectation. I don’t like additional pressure but it’s always important for me to keep goals just to know what you’re working towards, obviously.

“Especially after last year’s experience, I placed in the top 10 in the major and finishing in the top three in the regular event definitely made me feel good and confident about my own game,” she added.

Pagdanganan settled for a share of ninth place in the Women’s PGA Championship in mid-October before ending the month by placing third in the LPGA Drive on Championship — Reynolds Lake Oconee.

She ended 2020 by competing in 10 tournaments, collecting $203,775 (P9.79 million) for 60th on the LPGA money list.

Her performance also boosted Pagdanganan’s chances of making the Tokyo Olympics, provided the Games slated for July won’t be postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pagdanganan is currently 41st in the Olympic Golf rankings, and maintaining a good showing in succeeding tourneys will assure her of a trip to the Japanese capital.

Olympic qualification rules state that each country can get a maximum of two players “that does not already have two or more players among the top 15.”

Yuka Saso, Pagdanganan’s teammate when they won gold in the women’s team event of the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games, is ranked 21st.

“So far I’m in, and I think I need to keep playing in events and try to stay in the top 60,” she said.

Pagdanganan is scheduled to leave in early-February in preparation for her first LPGA Tour event which is the Gainbridge LPGA in Florida.

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Bianca Pagdanganan Yuka Saso
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