DAVAO CITY — Marquee names make up the star-studded field of the new Ladies Philippine Golf Tour that gets going Tuesday with the holding of the P1-million ICTSI Apo Golf Classic at the Apo Golf and Country Club.

The 21-player field braces for fierce competition not only for top honors but also for the distinction of becoming the first Apo leg winner.

The quaint championship layout hosts an LPGT leg for the first time since 2013, following last year's tournaments at Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon and South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Catalunan Pequeno, also in Davao.

With notable players like Daniella Uy and Florence Bisera, last year's winners at Del Monte and South Pacific, respectively, marked for attention, the next three days promise intense action.

Top contenders, including Harmie Constantino and Chihiro Ikeda, are also poised to engage in a spirited duel of shotmaking and course management on the tight, challenging layout.

But the title chase is not just a showcase of skill but also a test of nerves, strategy and determination, especially if the competition heads to a cardiac finish.

Multi-titled Chanelle Avaricio, meanwhile, adds to the competitive field, eager to display the improvements gained from playing on the Epson Tour last year.

Mikha Fortuna, on the other hand, aims to open the season strong, seeking to replicate her emphatic victory in last year's Match Play Invitational at The Country Club.

Debuting pros Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson, armed with extensive experience representing the country in various international competitions, including the SEA Games, the Asian Games and the World Amateurs, are likewise set to create an early impact.

Young talents such as Velinda Castil, Laurea Duque and Annika Cedo are also raring and ready to prove their worth, along with other hopefuls like Miya Legaspi, Marvi Monsalve, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Kristine Fleetwood, Rev Alcantara, Apple Fudolin, Lucy Landicho and Eva Miñoza.

Organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. with support from Kampfortis Golf, the official PGTI apparel, the LPGT will proceed to the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship from 19 to 22 March at the Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, also in Davao. Action will then shift to Cavinti, Laguna for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship from 9 to 12 April.