LADIES Professional Golf Association (LPGA) rookie Bianca Pagdanganan of the Philippines fell short in her quest to win her debut title on the LPGA Tour, placing solo third at the LPGA Drive On Championship on Monday (Manila time) in Greensboro, Georgia.

At second place entering the final round of the tournament, 22-year-old Pagdanganan finished the fourth round strong with back-to-back birdies in holes 17 and 18 to score 70 and take her total to 14-under 274. But it was only good for third place in the end.

It was, however, her highest finish to date in six LPGA Tour starts.

Winning the tournament at the Great Waters Course was American Ally McDonald, who recorded a 16-under 272 total. It was her first tour title.

Coming in at second was Ms. McDonald’s compatriot Danielle Kang with a 15-under 273.

Ms. Pagdanganan’s performance at the LPGA Drive On Championship was an extension of the solid run she has been having in her first year as a professional.

Earlier this month, she booked a spot in the US Women’s Open in December after finishing in the top 10 of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Pennsylvania.

For her latest effort, Ms. Pagdanganan, a gold medallist for the Philippines in last year’s Southeast Asian Games, pocketed $83,557 (or P4 million).

Completing the top five at the LPGA Drive On Championship were Mina Harigae of the United States and Carlota Ciganda of Spain with identical 13-under 275. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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