Local bets gun for Phl Ladies Open glory

The road to women’s golf glory runs through Forbes Park this week as the country’s finest amateurs and rising stars converge for the 2026 Philippine Ladies Open at the manicured Manila Golf and Country Club from 24 to 26 February.

Organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the 54-hole championship is expected to draw close to 100 players, led by the Philippines’ top amateurs and a slate of foreign standouts eager to test themselves on one of the country’s most exclusive layouts.

Long regarded as the premier proving ground for future national team members and collegiate recruits, the Ladies Open has produced champions who later carried Philippine colors in regional and international events.

Headlining the local challenge is Lisa Sarines, who returns to Manila Golf with unfinished business after a heartbreaking one-stroke defeat in last year’s edition at Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo.

Armed with sharper skills and a year’s worth of experience, Sarines, the Philippine Amateur champion, is tipped as one of the early favorites but will have to fend off a deep field of young contenders and seasoned campaigners hungry for a breakthrough victory.

Nicole Gaisano Gan, who just turned 15, leads a strong contingent from Immaculate Conception Academy that is ready to make its mark in the tournament, bringing a mix of poise, discipline and competitive fire as they take on the field. Among the other ICA campaigners are Chloe Ang and Bea Lapuz.

Thailand’s Tanjira Issaraphon (No. 343) spearheads the foreign challenge, riding the momentum of her victories at the Singha Thailand Ladies Amateur Open and the Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf at Black Mountain.