Ardina posts best finish in LPGA

MANILA, Philippines, June 29 ------ Dottie Ardina stumbled with a closing three-over 75 but went on to post a career major best finish of joint 12th in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship yesterday at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia.

After a pair of 70s and a 68, Ardina wavered with three birdies against six bogeys in the final round at the Highlands Course to miss out on a Top 10 finish after sitting at solo sixth the day before. Still, it was the 27-year-old Ardina’s finest performance – and biggest paycheck – in the LPGA since her debut in 2014. The Canlubang ace missed the cut of the same tournament last year and previously tied for 62nd in the 2019 US Open and 64th in the 2020 British Open. For her latest feat, Ardina netted $75,343 (P3.66 million), easily surpassing her total winnings in 2020 ($50,272) and 2019 ($53,200).

With a five-under par 283, Ardina finished two shots better than reigning US Open queen Yuka Saso. Fil-Japanese star Saso, who lurked in the 40s in the first three rounds on a 73-70-75 card, saved the best for last and fired an eagle-aided 67 to salvage joint 21st. Saso earned $48,142 (P2.3 million) in her first competition since her roaring victory in the US Open two weeks ago.

Nelly Korda, meanwhile, completed her milestone win in the PGA Open with her final-round 68. Korda, daughter of 1998 Australian Open champ Petr Korda, carded a 19-under 269 to beat Lizette Salas (272 after a 71) by three strokes.

Source: philstar.com