Constantino faces loaded LPGT field at Pinewoods

Harmie Constantino returns to the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with momentum, confidence, and the form that once made her the circuit’s most dominant player.

The ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge begins Tuesday, June 30, at Pinewoods Golf and Country Club in Baguio, where Constantino will headline a deep field in the PHP 1 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

The tournament marks the LPGT’s resumption after a monthlong break, giving players time to reset, recharge, and sharpen their games ahead of one of the most demanding stops of the season.

Constantino enters the 54-hole championship fresh from a commanding six-shot victory at Caliraya Springs, where she snapped a yearlong title drought with a wire-to-wire performance.

The win ended a frustrating stretch for Constantino and revived memories of her brilliant 2024 season, when she captured four legs and went on to claim the Order of Merit crown.

For Constantino, however, the turnaround began before she lifted the trophy at Caliraya.

“I think this year will be a lot better, especially since I changed a lot with how I play and how I think mentally,” said Constantino. “It has been a lot different.”

That renewed mindset has helped restore the confidence and consistency that once made her the player to beat on the local circuit.

“I’ve been working on it a lot and my game has gone so much further from where it was in 2024. That’s the biggest bonus I could ever ask for,” she added.

Pinewoods, however, presents a much different test from Caliraya Springs.

The par-72 mountain course rewards precision more than power, with narrow fairways, punishing rough, undulating terrain, and demanding shot values expected to challenge the field over three rounds.

The layout will also test stamina, patience, and course management, especially with elevation changes that could affect club selection and recovery shots.

Constantino’s improved confidence could prove valuable, but she will need it against arguably the strongest LPGT field assembled this season.

China LPGA Tour campaigners Chanelle Avaricio and Daniella Uy lead the list of challengers as they take a break from their overseas schedules.

Princess Superal also returns to the local circuit after her stint in Japan, adding another proven contender to the title race.

Lakewood leg winner Yvon Bisera, Mafy Singson, reigning Order of Merit winner Sarah Ababa, Tiffany Lee, Seoyun Kim, Chihiro Ikeda, Marvi Monsalve, Martina Miñoza, and Pamela Mariano are also expected to mount serious bids.

The field’s mix of proven champions, rising stars, and seasoned international campaigners makes the Pinewoods stop one of the most unpredictable tournaments on the LPGT calendar.

For Constantino, the challenge is clear.

Her game is back, her confidence has returned, and Pinewoods now offers the toughest test yet of whether her resurgence can hold against the strongest field she is likely to face all season.