Hwang Eyes ICTSI WWL Masters Title in PH Debut

Korean rising star Hwang Yoon is set to make a strong impression at the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters, which tees off Wednesday, Feb. 12, at The Country Club (TCC) course in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Making her Philippine debut, Hwang is determined to secure back-to-back victories in the first two overseas events of the Korean Dream Tour.

Fresh off her maiden victory at the Indonesian Women’s Open three weeks ago—where she edged fellow Korean Cho Yeongmin on the second sudden-death hole—she aims to carry that momentum into this high-stakes tournament.

“The goal of every competition is always to win. I will play with confidence,” said Hwang, 23, during a practice session at TCC over the weekend.

While acknowledging the tough competition ahead—with 50 top players from the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA), along with the top 32 from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT)—Hwang remains focused on meeting the course’s demands.

“Like in Indonesia, I will study the course and understand its characteristics,” she said. “Tee shots and putting are the most important aspects.”

However, TCC presents additional challenges, including its demanding length and unpredictable winds, which are expected to impact play on most holes, particularly the par-4 18th, regarded as one of the toughest finishing holes in Asia.

The 54-hole, $200,000 championship marks the first KLPGA-sanctioned event in partnership with the LPGT and TLPGA, ensuring high-level competition over three days.

Among the key contenders are 2021 KLPGA Rookie of the Year and two-time winner Song Ga-eun, former national standout Sohn Yebeen, 2024 Korean Dream Tour winner Park Ye-Ji, and US-based player Yoo Dagyeom.

The international field also includes Japan’s Wakui Mayu and Aoi Mako, Thailand’s Chayanit Wangmahaporn, and TLPGA standouts Li-Ning Wang and Ching Huang. Other Thai competitors include Saraporn Chamchoi, Chonlada Chayanun, Pakin Kawinpakorn, Ornnicha Konsunthea, Kamonwan Lueamsri, and Navaporn Soontreeyapas.

Local hopes rest on Dottie Ardina, Pauline del Rosario, Princess Superal, Harmie Constantino, Daniella Uy, and Yvon Bisera, along with Korean-Filipina standout Tiffany Lee, who will aim to keep the inaugural title on home soil.

Despite the stiff competition, Hwang remains motivated to make a strong impact in her Philippine debut.

“This is my first time in the Philippines, and I want to make great memories here,” she said.

With her recent success and unwavering determination, all eyes will be on Hwang as she chases another Dream Tour victory and solidifies her status as one of the KLPGA’s rising stars.