WGAP tees off with 2026 Philippine Ladies Open

THE ROAD to golfing greatness in the Philippines will once again pass through the manicured fairways of The Manila Golf & Country Club as the 2026 Philippine Ladies Open (PLO) takes center stage from Feb. 24 to 26, with the backing of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP), 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 C. 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,” Mr. Gregorio said.

The Philippine Ladies Open has long been a springboard to global success with Mses. Pagdanganan and Saso among its distinguished alumnae.

Ms. 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, Ms. 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, fondly known as “Jeeno,” who has since risen to world No. 1.

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

Mr. 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,” Mr. Gregorio emphasized.

Beyond its flagship event, WGAP is expanding its impact in 2026 through three cornerstone competitions aimed at deepening the country’s women’s golf pipeline.

The PLO remains the association’s crown jewel, while the 30^th Luzvimin Invitational heads north to the scenic John Hay Golf Course in Baguio City.

Running from April to October, the six-leg WGAP Circuit and WGAP Cup will feature more than 220 women golfers from 15 member clubs, culminating in a high-stakes match play showdown.

With a membership base now at 555 and still rising, WGAP continues to champion grassroots and elite-level development for women golfers nationwide.

Its programs reflect a clear mission: cultivate talent, build competitive experience, and create pathways to international success.