Anvaya Cove Int’l ushers in 2023 LPGT

The Ladies Philippine Golf Tour unveils its new season, drawing a power-packed international cast, led by aces from Taiwan and Thailand, for the Anvaya Cove Ladies International beginning 22 February at the posh Anvaya Cove Golf Club in Morong, Bataan.

The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. is all geared up for the upcoming $100,000 championship spread over 54 holes that will likewise set in motion the new LPGT season.

The Anvaya Cove International also serves as the second leg of this year’s LPGA of Taiwan Tour, which has partnered with the LPGT in pre-pandemic times, sanctioning a couple of LPGT events in Taiwan and vice versa.

That guarantees a talent-laden field for next week at the wind-raked Anvaya Cove course with the TLPGA top players, headed by former LPGT Midlands leg champion Ching Huang, making up the core of the 70-player cast.

Spicing up the title chase in the event sponsored by ICTSI are some of the top guns from the Thailand LPGA Tour, including former LPGT winners Ploychompoo Wilairungrueng, Onkanok Soisuwan and Wannasiri Sirisampant, along with five Japanese, Hong Kong’s top player Isabella Leung and Manila-based Korean Kim Seo Yun, who finished second to top amateur Rianne Malixi at LPGT Riviera last year.

Other Thais tipped to contend for the championship are Chonlada Chayanun, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Punpaka Phuntumabamrung, Kultida Pramphun, Saraporn Chamchoi, Mookharin Ladgratok and Parinda Phokan.

Heading the local challenge are reigning LPGT Order of Merit winner Chihiro Ikeda, last year’s three-leg titlist Chanelle Avaricio and Pradera Verde leg and Match Play champion Harmie Constantino.

The event also serves as a comeback tournament for former Junior World champion Daniella Uy, who nailed her first LPGT victory at Riviera two years ago before campaigning in the US circuit.

Other locals in the fold are Marvi Monsalve, Gretchen Villacencio, Pamela Mariano, Sarah Ababa, Rev Alcantara, Yvon Bisera. Kristine Fleetwood, Apple Fudolin and Lucy Landicho.

Meanwhile, the Ladies PGT will mark its first foray in the Visayas — the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic from 15 to 18 March at the Marapara course and the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge from 22 to 25 March in Sta. Barbara — to be held simultaneously with the first two legs of the men’s tour (PGT).