Pauline del Rosario dropped two shots over the last three holes to settle for a 71 as she slid her slide to a share of sixth place, three strokes behind new leader Kim Ahyeon in the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on Thursday.
As the Philippine contingent struggled, Del Rosario seized the opportunity, proving her mettle in a field teeming with international talent.
Her aggressive play, particularly in the first 12 holes, which she played in three-under, showcased the tenacity and experience.
But TCC’s demanding closing stretch proved to be a challenge. A wayward drive on the par-4 16th resulted in a bogey, and a costly three-putt on the final hole further dampened her charge.
“I felt pretty bad bogeying the last hole,” said Del Rosario, frustrated by her struggles on the unpredictable greens. “I guess it was my putting and feel for the speed of the greens.”
Despite the late stumble, Del Rosario remains a strong contender at 140. Her earlier surge, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 10 and 12, demonstrated the caliber of play against an elite international field.
Meanwhile, Kim Ahyeon surged ahead with a blistering front-nine 31.
The Korean standout capitalized on her hot start, firing birdies on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9. She held firm on the challenging back nine, protecting her lead with a composed string of pars to finish at seven-under overall (137).
Thai Parinda Phokan birdied the par-4 17th to cap a 70, securing solo second at 138. Meanwhile, Kim Yeosoon (68), Wang Li-Ning (69), and Han Nakyoung (70) all posted matching 139s, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable battle in the $200,000 tournament, co-sanctioned by the Korean LPGA, the LPGA of Taiwan, and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
“I just tried to put my ball in the fairway and make more birdies,” said Kim, who came into the tournament following a 36th-place finish in last month’s Indonesian Open.
Kim acknowledged the difficulty of the back nine, where swirling winds and firm greens tested her precision.
“I struggled with my long game a bit, but the key point was my short game,” said the 31-year-old Kim. “The back nine was hard for me, so I’ll try to rest well and focus on pin placements and putting tomorrow.”
