She may be a hotshot in this part of the world, but Florence Bisera knows there’s a big world out there.
That’s why the 21-year-old is thrilled to join a huge 16-strong contingent from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour in the Party Golfers Ladies Open kicking off Wednesday, 8 November, in Taiwan.
“I am super happy to be able to join this tournament, this is my first outside the Philippines,” said Bisera before leaving for the 54-hole championship offering a total prize fund of NT$4 million (P7 million).
The tournament is more than just a competition. It’s also an avenue and a valuable source of experience for Bisera as she embarks on a career overseas.
“I am excited to learn many things since this is a stepping stone and an experience because I plan to really compete abroad next year,” she said.
The third year Civil Engineering student at Mapua University had a
career-defining moment when she emerged triumphant in the LPGT South Pacific Classic in Davao last September.
There she upstaged some of the best players on the LPGT. While that win was on a familiar turf, she is confident in her abilities and determination to achieve another top podium finish.
“I’ve been hitting my drives considerably well and my short game is quite okay, which I think is the most important thing. I’ve been focusing on my short game the last two months,” Bisera said.
She came from one of Davao’s renowned golfing clans which gives her the pedigree. Now whether she has to heart to compete against the best, remains to be seen.
While she remains wary of the opposition from the best of the LPGA of Taiwan and a band of aces from Thailand and Japan, Bisera is hopeful to figure in the title race coming off an intensive training for the blue-ribbon event.
“I did not prepare for this for a short time, I really took this opportunity seriously,” she said.
“I think my putting because ever since I played golf it has been the most difficult part for me” Bisera said.
She and the rest of the LPGT ladies will buckle down to practice Tuesday at the unpredictable surface of the Lily Golf and Country Club.
Bannering the LPGT cast are Pauline del Rosario, who is using the event as part of her build-up for the LPGA Q-Series in Alabama late this month, this year’s three-time LPGT winner Daniella Uy, and fellow leg titlists Harmie Constantino and Chanelle Avaricio.
Also ready to put up a challenge are Mikha Fortuna, Marvi Monsalve, Rev Alcantara, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano and Chihiro Ikeda along with Koreans Seoyun Kim and Ju Young Yang and amateurs Laurea Duque, Lia Duque and Mafy Singson, also a two-time LPGT leg winner.
