Chanelle Avaricio seeks to complete an unfinished business

Barely missing scoring a career breakthrough the last time out, in-form Chanelle Avaricio believes it’s just a matter of time – and breaks – before she could ever join the elite circle of winners on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“I expected to play well because I came into the tournament prepared and ready to compete with the top players,” said Avaricio after falling short by one to fancied Princess Superal in the ICTSI Sherwood Ladies Challenge last week.

But she hopes to accomplish what she had failed to do at Sherwood when the LPGT resumes tomorrow (Wednesday, July 14) with the P750,000 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Ladies Classic at the Norman course in Gen. Trias, Cavite.

The Alabama State U alumna actually got first to 209 total and was looking for a shot at the crown at least via playoff. But Superal, playing in a flight behind toting a similar seven-under total, birdied the 17th then parred the last to snare the victory in the event marking the restart of the circuit after the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. suspended play last March due to the resurgence of coronavirus cases in NCR Plus.

But the setback is expected to further toughen up the rising star, who finished no higher than fourth in four events prior to the Sherwood foray. Handled by swing coach Mic Que, Avaricio has been diligently working on her game at the Hollow Ridge course in Laguna with former national mentor Boyet Zaragosa assisting her on course management.

“I really hope I’m gonna ride on this momentum and keep working hard for the tournaments to come,” said Avaricio, who also gets some tips from touring pro Ira Alido while citing her boyfriend’s help for her strong finish at Sherwood.

“I had some help from my boyfriend, who told me to focus on the right things while on the course and how to handle and keep up with the pressure.”

Pressure will surely mount as she steps up her drive for that first win against Superal, who will surely aim for a second straight victory while Harmie Constantino and Chihiro Ikeda are out to make up for their final round struggle last week.

The likes of Gretchen Villacencio, Daniella Uy, Sunshine Baraquiel and Marvi Monsalve, meanwhile, are also going all out to fuel their respective title bids with a strong start in the 54-hole championship held under strict health and safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the LPGT will take a break after Eagle Ridge with action swinging to Riviera in Silang for a couple of events starting with the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Challenge on July 28-30 at the Langer layout to be followed by the ICTSI Ladies Challenge at the adjacent Couples course on Aug. 4-6.

The ICTSI-backed circuit will then head to Batangas for the Splendido Taal Ladies Challenge on Aug. 18-20 with the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club hosting the next stop on Aug. 25-27.