Philippine golf team opens SEA Games campaign on Friday

The Philippines golf team is tipped to open its campaign at the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Friday when the women's golf tournament tees off at the Heron Lake Course in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Young sensation Rianne Malixi leads the Filipinas while Lois Kaye Go, a member of the 2019 gold medal-winning squad, and Mafy Singson complete the women's team billed as one of the teams to beat.

Bianca Pagdanganan, who represented the country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is out of the squad as well as Abby Arevalo.

Meanwhile, set to banner the men's squad are Jed Dy, Kristoffer Arevalo, and Gab Manotoc, who are all primed-up for a face-off with the Thailand squad led by the celebrated Ratchanon Chantananuwat.

"We believe all are motivated intrinsically by being their best versions. This is the challenge we have given them—to be better every day, in all aspects both on and off the course," said national women’s squad head coach Miko Alejandro.

"I think it's not necessarily pressuring but more inspiration to the players. We use these stories to remind us we are capable. We understand that this is a brand-new opportunity to win gold medals for the country."

Maliki, 15, shared she's excited and confident to play in the one of the biggest stages in the sport.

"It will be exciting. I'll play my best for the team," said Malixi. "This is the biggest for me so far, playing not for myself but for our country. By playing my best, it's like I'm paying a tribute to our flag. I'm looking forward to hearing our national anthem at the end of the tournament."

"I'm ready for the tournament. I hope everyone will pray for the success not only for our team but for the entire delegation."

The Philippines had the most medals during the 2019 SEA Games edition where Filipino athletes bagged a total of three medals.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News