WGAP tees off with PLO

The road to golf greatness will once again pass through the Manila Golf & Country Club as the 2026 Philippine Ladies Open (PLO) takes centerstage from 24 to 26 February.

Organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the prestigious annual tournament is set to draw up to 100 of the country’s top amateur talents alongside international standouts, reinforcing its reputation as the premier proving ground for the next generation of champions.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio praised the impact of women’s golf in the country, noting its proven ability to produce global winners.

“The success of Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso shows that Filipino women can compete and win against the very best in the world. The Philippine Ladies Open is where those journeys begin,” Gregorio said.

The PLO has long been a springboard to global success with Pagdanganan and Saso among its distinguished alumni.

Pagdanganan ruled the 2017 edition and was an Asian Games dual medalist who now competes on the LPGA Tour.

Back-to-back champion in 2018 and 2019, Saso went on to become a two-time US Women’s Open titlist and an Asian Games dual gold medalist, cementing her status as one of Asia’s brightest stars.

Also gracing the PLO fairways in 2017 and 2018 was Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul, who has since risen to world No. 1.

“These champions sharpened their competitive edge here,” WGAP secretary Greely Oposa said, underscoring the tournament’s role in nurturing young golfers for international competition.

Gregorio pointed out that the future remains bright with continued support for grassroots programs.

“We believe the next generation of Filipina golfers will not only follow in their footsteps but surpass them. With the right training, exposure, and opportunities, more Filipinas will stand on global podiums and bring pride to the nation,” Gregorio emphasized.