Amateurs Rianne Malixi and Mafy Singson have been given spots to the ICTSI Villamor Match Play Invitational unfolding Tuesday at the Villamor Golf Club.
Their additions add excitement to the 16-player cast led by Order of Merit champion Chihiro Ikeda.
Malixi, the 15-year-old phenom, has won all her three appearances in stroke play in this year’s LPGT.
She is no stranger to match play having played in the US Girls, the US Amateurs, the Women’s Western Amateur and the American Junior Golf Association.
“I’m more comfortable in match play. I had fun experiences in my past results in the US. It’s a confidence booster since I’m familiar with this format,” said Malixi who, however, remained cautious of her chances in the tight, challenging par-72 military layout.
“I’m not quite familiar with Villamor, which I played once when I was 9, so I’m looking forward to what the layout’s like. I believe that consistency is key especially short game,” she added.
Villamor, home to the Philippine Masters, has undergone facelift through the initiative adviser Col. Roelito Nolasco. Three new washrooms have been added and every hole has its own path walk.
Thick bushes have also been trimmed down to give players a clear view of the adjacent holes without compromising the challenges that the course present.
Completing the roster are Pradera Verde stage titlist Harmie Constantino, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Marvi Monsalve, last year’s Highlands leg winner Sunshine Baraquiel, Lovelynn Guioguio, Apple Fudolin, Eva Miñoza, Lucy Landicho, Kristine Fleetwood, Florence Bisea and Martina Miñoza.
The quarterfinals will be played Wednesday with the semis and finals set Thursday and Friday, respectively, simultaneous with the 32-player men’s competition.
