Breaking barriers: Women changing the game in Philippine golf

For a long time, golf in the Philippines was mostly seen as a game for men. But that’s changing — and fast. Today, Filipino women aren’t just showing up on the course; they’re winning titles, making waves and inspiring the next generation of players.

A big part of this shift comes from the growing community supporting women golfers, especially through the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines, or WGAP.

They’ve been around for decades, helping female golfers get the resources, training, and opportunities they need to compete and thrive.

Take Bianca Pagdanganan, for example. Her journey is pretty inspiring. She started young, hitting local courses in Metro Manila, and her love for the game just grew. She worked hard, got a scholarship to the University of Arizona, and honed her skills competing in the US college circuit.

Turning pro in 2020, Bianca quickly made a name for herself with her powerful drives and cool focus. She’s represented the Philippines twice at the Olympics, proving she’s one of the country’s best.

But Bianca’s story isn’t just about her. It’s part of a bigger picture shaped by WGAP’s efforts — from organizing tournaments and training programs to creating a tight-knit network of mentors and supporters. Because of groups like them, more girls and women have the chance to play competitively, connect with fellow golfers, and access training and resources that weren’t always easy to find before.

WGAP also helps Filipino women step onto the global stage, arranging participation in international tournaments and building links with other golf organizations worldwide. Their work goes beyond just letting players compete — it helps them truly thrive.

Bianca isn’t alone.

There’s Yuka Saso, a two-time US Women’s Open champ, US Women's Amateur and US Junior Girls champion Rianne Malixi, and other trailblazers like Dottie Ardina, Clariss Guce, Pauline del Rosario, Samantha Bruce, Tomi Arejola and Princess Superal, all making waves in international golf.

And it’s not just players leading the way.

Women like Ma. Socorro Ventosa at The Country Club, Joanne Crisostomo-Reyes of Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, and Mary Grace Estuesta at Sta. Elena Golf Club are breaking ground as general managers. Plus, Jo Ann Tan, executive director of John Hay Golf, and Sarah Medina, president of G&W Clubshares, are making big impacts behind the scenes.

All these women are helping change the face of golf in the Philippines.

More young girls now see golf as a real option, not just a game for others but something they can pursue seriously. Thanks to WGAP and grassroots programs, training camps, scholarships, and tournaments are opening up, and clubs are becoming more welcoming and inclusive.

Sure, there are still challenges — golf can be pricey, and quality facilities aren’t everywhere. But with support from WGAP, local governments, and sponsors, the future looks promising.

What really stands out about Bianca and her fellow golfers is their grit and heart — they’re not just out to win; they’re pushing to change how people see women in golf and to open doors for those who come after them. Bianca often talks about mindset, hard work, and how her family, coaches, and WGAP mentors have always believed in her.

For so many young Filipinas dreaming of making it in golf, Bianca and WGAP aren’t just success stories — they’re proof that with passion, support, and perseverance, you really can break barriers and rewrite the game.

Thanks to them and the community behind them, Philippine golf is stepping into a new era — one where women’s voices and victories shine just as brightly as their swings.