Bianca Pagdanganan burst onto the scene at the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship a Aronimink. After a slow start on Thursday, Bianca was at serious risk of missing the cut for her first major, but determined to play the weekend for her father and traveling companion, she went out and posted a score of 65 to make the cut. On Saturday, she posted another 65 -- two sterling rounds of golf without a bogey ensured that Bianca was thrust onto the stage at Aronimink.
A birdie putt on the very last hole of the tournament got Bianca into 9th place along with Lauren Stephenson and in doing so, she punched her ticket to Houston and the US Women's Open.
In this Episode we chat with Bianca about how she started off in golf, came to the United States to play NCAA golf at both Gonzaga and Arizona. We then reflect upon her experience at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, before we discuss her preparation for the US Women's Open.
Bianca Pagdanganan burst onto the scene at the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship a Aronimink. After a slow start on Thursday, Bianca was at serious risk of missing the cut for her first major, but determined to play the weekend for her father and traveling companion, she went out and posted a score of 65 to make the cut. On Saturday, she posted another 65 -- two sterling rounds of golf without a bogey ensured that Bianca was thrust onto the stage at Aronimink.
A birdie putt on the very last hole of the tournament got Bianca into 9th place along with Lauren Stephenson and in doing so, she punched her ticket to Houston and the US Women's Open.
In this Episode we chat with Bianca about how she started off in golf, came to the United States to play NCAA golf at both Gonzaga and Arizona. We then reflect upon her experience at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, before we discuss her preparation for the US Women's Open.
Douglas Maida 0:15
Hello, and welcome to our show. We're talking golf. My name is Douglas made and I'm your host for today's episode. Today's show is being recorded from our studio in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. We are produced by the world of golf. And you can find us on the worldwide web at www dot world of golf.org. Or you can also find us on our social media channels of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For those of you in Asia or elsewhere, with additional social media apps, you can also find us on Weibo, and the WeChat apps. Now before we get into today's show, I'd like to take this time again to welcome you our listeners and followers from around the world that listened to our show. Without you and your support, we would not be able to bring you this show. So thank you so much for your ongoing support. Joining us today will be a very special guest professional LPGA player, Bianca pegged on a nun from the LPGA. But before we get to our guest, we have some other golf news to bring you at the PGA Tour's Maya Colby event in Mexico. Viktor Hovland birdied the last hole to capture his second win of the season by one stroke over errand wise. Meanwhile, on the LPGA hometown favorite Angeles Stafford shot one of the best runs on Sunday for under 67 to win the VOA Volunteers of America classic at the colony in Texas. Next up with the best players and women's golf is to now head down the highway to Houston and the host club, the champions golf club for the hosting of the 75th us Women's Open. And that is with that championship in mind that we'll be speaking with our next guest, Bianca peg down and on who will be joining us from Dallas, Texas on zoom as our special guest. Now before we get to that, a brief word from our sponsor,
Amy (Studio) 2:10
you're listening to our podcast show. We're talking golf. Our show is produced by the world of golf. You can find us on the web at www dot world of golf.org. The world of golf is an independent digital media company. You can find our podcast show on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, and I Heart Radio. Now back to our show. Here is your host, Douglas Maida and his guest Bianca Pagdanganan
Douglas Maida 2:40
thank you for staying with us. We're back now. So let's get right to our guest. Bianca pegged on a nun is one of the hottest players in golf today. She's quickly become known for her booming tee shots with some of them reaching distances of over 300 yards. She leads the LPGA and driving averaging approximately 286 yards. She was the top rookie at the KPMG women's PGA Championship held earlier this year in runamok. Bianca is originally from the Philippines. And not only she becoming a national sports celebrity in her home country, but in the entire golfing world. So welcome to the show. Bianca.
Bianca 3:16
Hi, thank you for having me. I'm happy to be here.
Douglas Maida 3:19
Pleasure. It's our pleasure. We're so glad you can make the time out of your busy schedule.
Bianca 3:23
Of course, of course. I don't think I have anything else to do, like golf practice. Yeah.
Douglas Maida 3:34
That's the life of professional golfer though, right?
Bianca 3:36
It's all about time management.
Douglas Maida 3:40
Okay. Bianca, let's start a little bit about your golf background in, in the Philippines. I've seen some photos of you being a little girl out there hitting the ball and learning to play the game. How did you Was it your father or family relatives was or how did you get into picking up the game?
Bianca 4:03
So my dad was an avid golfer when I was growing up. And I remember him playing golf alone on the weekends. And I had no idea what golf was just like, Hey, Dad, like what do you do on the weekends? Because I remember him like leaving really early. And then like probably like after lunch, he'd be home. So where do you come from what you do? Let's say like, Oh, I played golf. I'm like, what's golf? Like, we drop him off at the golf course and be like, oh, I'll see you later. I'm like, okay, and I was like in the Philippines, like, I'll be like, there was a backdrop. But the place where my dad used to play, you couldn't really see the golf course or where the backdrop was, like, what does he do? Like? What is this thing? So there was one time he brought me to the driving range. And then I was just watching him, hit a couple of shots. And then I remember him hitting his driver. And honestly, that's like the one thing I remember. I was like watching him I was like, Wow, that's so cool. Like my dad hits it so far. And then after that, I started bugging him. I was like, Can you give me my own like set of clubs? I think I started out with a plastic set. So like every time he would come home from work, I'd be like, Where's my plastic set? Where's my plastic set? And then you'd be like, oh, like, I promise I'll get you one. And then he got me a said. And then I just started hitting around the house. And then mom wasn't happy when I started hitting, you know, random things. So she's probably like, take it outside, like, you're not doing the same here. And I think when I was around seven, or I don't know, it was like, in 2005, he enrolled me at a summer youth camp, Camp Aguinaldo, which is a military course. And it was like super close to our house. So he enrolled me and my sister actually at a youth youth camp, and that was the start, like, I had a lot of fun. Like, I made a lot of friends. And I enjoyed it. Especially like, when I played with my sister, we got pretty competitive. I don't think she knows that. But like, I was really competitive, I want to get after her. And that was it. Like, I enjoyed it. I had so much fun. So that was the start.
Douglas Maida 6:05
There wasn't much of a junior program in, in the Philippines?
Bianca 6:09
I mean, there was but I remember that time when I was young, there weren't that many Junior golfers. Like I did meet a lot of kids at that youth camp. But then none of them really, you know, wanted to pick up the sport. It was more like a summer thing. But then I enjoyed it, especially, you know, having my sister by my side, and then my dad knowing the game. But yeah, they're definitely Junior programs. And it's gotten a lot better through the years, especially as I got older. So it was a lot of fun. Like, when more kids started joining, I made more friends and yeah,
Douglas Maida 6:45
cool is it, in your opinion, do you see golf growing as a sport in the Philippines?
Bianca 6:52
Definitely, I think the junior golf foundation of the Philippines has done such a great job through the years and the National Golf Association. So honestly, it feels great. You know, I mean, I didn't have that much when I was growing up. So I I'm happy for all the junior golfers who are starting to pick up this sport, like they have more opportunities, more tournaments to play. And I definitely think it's grown a lot. just comparing how it was during my time makes me sound so old. It's like, Oh, yeah, back in the day, but it really wasn't that long ago. But just looking back and seeing how much progress there's been. And you know, a lot of my friends have, like, played college golf. And that's a lot of fun. Because a lot of the younger kids now, like when I talk to them, like oh, yeah, like, it's something interesting and something that I want to do. So it's just nice to see that their markets picking up the sport, and they have other players to look up to, you know, who were part of that program.
Douglas Maida 7:52
terrific, terrific. And it even got to a point that when you had the Asian Games in the Southeast Asian Games, I understand you had a bit of a Filipino Dream Team.
Bianca 8:08
It was like me, Lois and Yuka -- Oh, my gosh, that was so much fun. There is definitely a lot of pressure coming into the Asian Games. I feel like there were higher expectations for us. But at the same time, you know, it all matters on earth all depends on how you take that pressure. And how you I don't I enjoy the pressure. For some reason, it makes me really nervous. But at the same time, it's something that excites me. It's like, that's where I get my energy from what I plan like, Oh, this is fun, exciting. But yeah, dream, the Dream Team. I mean, you can Lewis are two really solid players too. And I'm really happy with how you explain right now, especially after she turned pro. She's doing great on tour. The lowest is I think she does one more year, but it's just a lot of fun playing an Asian Games. And just competing with, you know, the best amateur players in Asia. So it was a great opportunity and just being able to represent the Philippines on that stage as an amateur was. It was amazing.
Douglas Maida 9:15
Yeah. And then you had a little bit of success capturing the individual gold medal last year.
Bianca 9:22
The Southeast Asian Games that was also one way to end my amateur career, especially back home. I had my whole family and all my i think i think most all my high school friends came up to the watch. And I think that was like the first like, big tournament they ever like saw or watched live, which was was really meaningful. I just seeing them, like on the sides walking. I know that most of them weren't really like a fan of the sun. They would probably stay indoors but they were out there watching and supporting me. So I really meant a lot but I don't know this report just gets really overwhelming sometimes and just really grateful for everything that's come off.
Douglas Maida 10:07
Yeah. Which country hosted the Southeast Asian Games? Was it in the Philippines?
Bianca 10:12
Yeah, we hosted the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines. It was in "Turlock" (??). So it was like, up north, a little north of Manila, I think was probably a two hour drive. But yeah, a lot of my family and friends came out to watch us. I was like, a little embarrassed because they were walking around and a shirt that said, team Bianca, and I'm like, why would you do that? It was, it was like a huge, I mean, you probably know how big Filipino families are. So I probably had like, 15 people, just my family. Not even my friends included, like in team Crusher. I don't know, though.
Douglas Maida 10:52
So yeah, Tito and Tito, they all showed up?
Bianca 10:55
Tito's and Tita's everywhere. My Lola was there. So that was really nice and fun.
Douglas Maida 11:04
Um, Bianca, I think it's safe to say that your first major introduction to the golfing public in North America was your participation in the 2018 NCAA playoffs? That was quite I mean, so many of us watched it. And it was quickly a fantastic run that you and the rest of the team managed to pull together. And it was a fantastic final with I believe was Alabama that you that you were up against? Yeah, they had a pretty good team. I think they were the number one ranked team in the country for most of the year. And then they run into the
Bianca 11:38
solidteam. Oh, my goodness. I think all three teams he went up against are all amazing team. So he went up against UCLA, Stanford, and Alabama, like those three schools were like, packed with great players, like all five from each team were just great. So it was like it was I remember it being very draining, mentally draining. I was, I don't know, I didn't really feel tired throughout the week, it was probably my adrenaline. That was like, pumping my energy throughout the week, like I was like, I'm not tired, like I could carry my bag for 30 days, I'm gonna be a problem. But then, you know, when you get back to your hotel room, like you just slide down, and it's not the physical that really bothers you. But it's mostly like the mental part of the game that kind of tires you out. But you know, it's nice that you get to learn from those experiences. And you're given those opportunities on like bigger stages where you get to see how you play when you're faced with those circumstances. But yeah, it was, oh my gosh, I remember everything clearly. And definitely a highlight of my college career. It was always my goal, to go to Nationals as a team and hopefully win a national title. And we got it done my first year at Arizona. So it's something I'll always remember.
Douglas Maida 13:10
Isn't that great, the incredible I was so incredible to watch, just from a fan's perspective. We noticed, I mean, we could see that the you and the team had the momentum. You know, we talked about momentum and sports all the time. That was like, wow, the momentum was really building for for you and the rest of the team just going and going And like you said, you know, Stanford UCLA, and, and then Alabama and our final and it was like, wow, just incredible.
Bianca 13:39
Yeah, it's unbelievable. You know, it you don't really understand, like, you can watch it on TV, or once you actually experience it. It's a different. It's a whole nother level. You know, the last round of Strokeplay wasn't our best round, we did not play great golf. And that was fine. After getting into that playoff, actually, after I made my putt, I didn't even know what that meant, until I got to the scoring tent. And one of the girls I played was looked at me and said, Oh, you know, you just got your team had hoped playoff playoff for what like we were already in the top eight going into this round. And then I found out the whole thing, whatever happened, we were like tied for eight. So I go to the driving range, I gather my team and we're just like talking, and I said, this is our chance that we can't mess this up. Like we're gonna ride this wave momentum and adrenaline though we have and we're gonna we're gonna kill this whole like week, we got this and it's nice because you know, you could feel the same intensity or level of energy from all of them even without seeing anything. And it definitely showed, you know, throughout the week and everyone started playing great and it was just amazing. It's, it was such a great experience.
Douglas Maida 14:58
Yeah. Do you Keep in touch with many of your fellow players from the team or like, keep in touch with, say, Yuka and a couple of the others as well.
Bianca 15:09
Yeah, definitely, I still talk to a lot of them like, well, not as much. I don't really talk too much, because I feel like we're both pretty busy. If anything, it's more like, Oh, hey, congrats on playing well, this week, or good luck on your next tournament. But you know, I get to talk to Lois and my teammate, Abby from the Southeast Asian Games, and then my teammates from college, I still definitely keep in touch. I see Haley out here, right. And I still message my other teammates from time to time, like you said, I was pretty close to the you saw that, like all the other girls, so I was like, we had great relationships with all these girls.
Douglas Maida 15:42
Yeah. It's an experience that you share. That's for sure. You take with you.
Bianca 15:48
Yeah, of course.
Douglas Maida 15:50
Um, let's talk a little bit about you coming to the LPGA, you had your first would it be fair to say that you had a bit of a qualifying process that you probably had? not what you expected, per se? And so that kind of changed your priority? A little bit? Was that a, you know, how did you feel about that? Was it a bit of a challenge? Were you encouraged by it? Were you just a, you know what, I got some status. So that's what I set my goals to be. And I achiieved it, or ...
Bianca 16:30
definitely, I think it's some, again, like, it's a matter of perspective and how you can take it, like this year wasn't really the year we were expecting. And, I mean, obviously, all of us are going through a hard time. And it just depends on how you take it, like I said, But wait, are you talking about like the whole q series or jumping into the, like, LPGA?
Douglas Maida 16:55
The entire -- entire process? I mean, as I understand it, your priority meant that you weren't on automatic to get into every tournament that you wanted, you have to
Bianca 17:05
Yeah, yeah, definitely. I mean, like, I remember last year at q series, I didn't play my best on the last round, which kind of stung a bit. But then, you know, after 30 stages of Q school, that was like, very stressful, and just, I don't know, like mentally and physically exhausting. You know, getting through third stage and like, earning your LPGA card was still such a great achievement for me, and probably not the ending, or the final round that I wanted. But like I said, it all depends on how you take it. I mean, after that, I was like, Well, you know, I'm probably gonna have status, I'm gonna get into some events, I'm just gonna have to work hard and try my best to play good golf. And, well, last year, you know, my mindset was like, oh, if I don't get to certain events, I can always do Monday qualifiers. But, you know, this whole COVID thing happened. And then everyone had to adjust to the new schedule. And I was like, okay, so another challenge in the way, but you just have to take it as it is, and try to see what you can do and work with what you have. So yeah, like I said, this year wasn't what we all expected. I feel like I played in more events that I thought I was going to be able to play it. Play. And so I think it's kind of a good thing. But I think so far it's been, it's been an okay year in terms of like, how I played on tour.
I was just like, just okay.
Yeah, guys. Every time I'm asked something, I have this. I don't I don't know why. But I always said, Oh, it's okay. Like, I'm okay. And it's not just like, it's not great. It's not bad. It's okay. I don't know. That's just a me thing, I guess.
Douglas Maida 19:03
Yeah. Were you -- during the COVID break? Where you use a were you using San Diego as your home base and just stayed in the US? You didn't go back to the Philippines to visit or anything you? You did?
Bianca 19:17
No, I didn't. Yeah, I was just in San Diego the whole time. I like Originally, I think we were planning to go home around June or July. But that, you know, this whole COVID situation kind of made things a little bit more complicated. Like, let's see, maybe if I get into a tournament like I have to consider at the time like a 14 day quarantine and that's just a lot of time to consider. Like if I went home I probably I'd have to quarantine so I'd probably be with my family for like a week. And then I'd have to leave just a lot enough time for the 14 days. But yeah, I was just in San Diego using the backyard as a driving range. And you know, it was tough. You know, just being at home, you have to find things to do. So. Yeah, there, we set up a driving range in the backyard, you know, there was just a net. And then I bought a swing caddy because at least like I get to work on my distances, I wasn't just hitting balls towards the net, you know, there was still some sort of purpose. But it was definitely challenging. It was a lot of working out. And golf and call of duty on the set not not on the side Call of Duty was definitely in that schedule. Yeah,
Douglas Maida 20:35
that's working on the mental aspect of preparation ...
Bianca 20:40
Yeah. Yeah, just looking back at, like, what was going on through quarantine. I don't think people understand how hard it is, you know, to get yourself to practice when you're at home. It's so different than being you know, out on the course, that's if you normally practice or four hours, it's like, you can divide your time on the different aspects of your game, you can go to the putting green and spend like an hour and a half, and then another hour on the driving range. And you know, it doesn't get boring. But when you're at home, it's like, you're just doing the same thing over and over again, you're hitting to a net, if you want to practice you're putting, you have a putting mat, it's like, you have one line, like you can't even play with your line, like you can putt left, like you can hit left to right putts, right to left like down, it's all flat. So I think one thing that kinda helped us, you know, it kind of made me a little bit tougher on the mental side, you know, trying to make sure that I'm focusing on my practice, and I'm not just hitting balls just to let the time pass by or just to say that I've practiced for an hour. There is still some sort of, like I said, you know, some sort of purpose. Right, right. In my practice, yeah.
Douglas Maida 21:55
Oh, excellent. Excellent. That's a very difficult way to have to deal with the adversity. But you seem to have done quite well.
Bianca 22:01
Yeah.
Douglas Maida 22:04
I was gonna see in one of these days, we be great to see you get some sponsorship, like, get yourself a putt-view set up in the backyard there. With all the different you can use the lasers and they got all the terrain.
Bianca 22:17
Oh, yeah.
Douglas Maida 22:18
And the slopes?
Bianca 22:18
Yeah, that'd be that'd be pretty cool. I might not never leave the house then. But
Douglas Maida 22:29
so what was your first event back after the break?
Bianca 22:35
The Drive On at Inverness
Douglas Maida 22:38
Okay, okay.
Bianca 22:40
Yeah,
Douglas Maida 22:41
that's right.
Bianca 22:41
Yeah.
Douglas Maida 22:43
And how did you find it was it a bit of an adjustment for you after that kind of a layoff, or, you know, not having a whole bunch much in the way of competitive rounds leading up to it.
Bianca 22:53
It was definitely hard. Just try to you know, throughout the break, obviously, you had to, it was more on trying to be prepared for whatever event was going to come up. Like, I had no idea what my first event was going to be. But I had to be prepared in case I got into a tournament, you know, just talking about my status. But it was definitely quite the adjustment. Like I was unable to play much golf, which was really tough. Like, I was kind of nervous. You know, when you're playing regular regularly, you don't really think about playing three days straight. But when you're stuck at home for how many months without doing anything besides working out, you know, that helps. But at the same time, it's still different when you're out there walking 18 holes, like, every day, every other day. So it's quite the adjustment, especially knowing that my last competitive round is probably I think it was like November. And, you know, like I said, it's a lot of it's not just the physical but the mental and just trying to tell yourself to be prepared. Like, for anything, yeah, be prepared for anything that happens. So with Inverness being my first event, it was pretty challenging. Inverness wasn't really the easiest, of course, it was like it was like the hilliest flattest golf course I, I'd say, and it was like a links course and it like rained a little bit. But it was still a lot of fun. You know, your first event is probably something you're always going to remember. And the fact that I made the cut, I was just like, Oh my gosh, I made the cut on my first event. So that's something that you know, kind of motivates you. Especially like moving forward to like, when I got into the ER, I was in the marathon to the week after so it was a good. It was a good two weeks.
Douglas Maida 24:48
Yeah.
Bianca 24:50
Yeah, it was a great experience.
Douglas Maida 24:52
Excellent. Um, then October came along and the KPMG women's PGA Championship. You ... it seems like everybody had a rough first round, but . . .
Bianca 25:08
Rough! understatement for me, I would say, Oh my goodness, I was so nervous. It was it was my first major and I was like, okay, it's fine. I don't remember. I think it was like, a two week or a week break from like the last event. And I was like, a little bit nervous, like, I'm playing in my first major as a pro. And I'm a rookie, like, it's okay, relax, like you got this just treat it like any other tournament, you know, try to feel called and then I think I just like, was overthinking throughout the whole first round, which is something I do not do. I play much better when you know, I don't think I just swing and I hit the ball. And it's kind of funny, because my dad figured that out. Right after, because spectators weren't allowed on the first round. So my dad was waiting in the car. And then I walk back and he's like, oh, how was it? So nervous, like, and I started talking to him. And I started mentioning all these technical terms that, again, is not my thing. I'm a field player. So I started telling him like, oh, my goodness, like I was blocking it, right, I was doing this thing. You know, I know what goes on in my swing. But it's not really something that I usually think about, like, you know, I know when I miss it, right? I know how to correct it. So I think throughout the round, I was focusing on that too much. I saw my dad, and he just looked at me and says, Why are you thinking like, this is not your game? Like, just look at your target and hit it. They're like, okay, you know, I have one more round. I'm still you know, there's a cut after 36 holes, you know, I'm not out of it yet. And I felt a lot more calm on the second round. And I shot five under. I remember again, oh, okay, so going back. So after, I think it's after the first round, we got an email saying that we were allowed to have two spectators for the weekend. And that be what I read the email deep inside, I was like, I'm not gonna, like, I want to play the weekend on my first major. And I want my dad to see that. And my, I think was my ad Who was there? Yeah, my dad was there. And it's like, yeah, I want them to be able to see me play. So that was like one of the motivations and goals I had for the week. So it's like, okay, just play your game. Don't think just swing, look at your target and swing it. And then the second round, like, that's what I tried to do. And I shot five under bogey free. It was like, I never would have thought this would happen. Like yesterday. But I played great. And I got myself into the weekend. So that's crazy.
Douglas Maida 28:04
And then you repeated it the very next day.
Bianca 28:08
I was like, this seems to be working well, me not thinking just hitting the ball. Look at your target -- hit up there. You know, when you think about it, like why do you make it seem so easy? I don't know when you're just calm and relaxed. You're having fun, like everything seems to go smoothly, like you just enjoy you have fun. And you don't even notice what's going on. So like after the round. I'd look at my scorecard. I'm like, No, bogey. Yeah, yeah. And I was able to put my put myself in a good position. And yeah, it was a great first major.
Douglas Maida 28:47
That was; it was I remember asking you the question after the fourth round. What was going into it? And I asked you if you were thinking about the US, the US Women's Open because I you know, a bunch of us were calculating. It's like, Oh, you could do this. If you get top 10 you'd be in.
Bianca 29:05
like no idea. No,
Douglas Maida 29:07
I yeah. Yeah, I know. I liked your your answer. It was very much very focused. And you know, I'm not going to get ahead of myself. And it's just, I'm going to play and do the best I can. And this is it. Yeah, no, it was good. That was very good. Yeah. So looking back on KPMG what would you say was the biggest thing that you take away from that experience?
Bianca 29:35
I guess it's more just trying to stick to your own game. Like don't like you know, I said that I like pressure but at the same time, you know, there's like, you have to draw the line when you when it comes to pressure. It's either you, you know, take it as it is. enjoy that. But I think the first day if there's anything I learned, you know, I put Too much pressure on myself to like, I had so much expectations, you know, play well, it's your first major, I think I gave too much emphasis on that, but it kind of got to me. Like I was really nervous. Like, I don't remember the last time I was not nervous. And I mean, it's fine. It's, it's okay to be nervous. It's like normal. And I remember our team captain, I think it was like, during Asian Games, I was telling him, I'm so nervous. And I don't remember being nervous, like for any other event, and he said, you know, it's okay to be nervous. Because when you're nervous, that means it matters. You know, it's important to you. So there's that, yeah, if anything, I learned how to handle my nerves a little bit better. And just try to play your own game and don't try to make something happen. You know, don't try to force things to happen. You just have to trust yourself your own game. And that's when you know, things will follow things will come along.
Douglas Maida 30:59
Yeah. Yeah. That was terrific. You did, played wonderfully at the KPMG. So that was great.
Bianca 31:07
Thank you.
Douglas Maida 31:09
Bianca, you're playing this week in Dallas at the Volunteers of America classic. And Houston next week. Are you coming into this with any sort of goals and what you'd like to prepare for? Or are you just approaching the VOA classic as you know, this is an event I'm going to go out and play the best I can and get myself feeling really confident for Houston? Or are there certain situations and scenarios that you're keeping in mind that you'd like to maybe focus on a little bit in preparation for next week?
Bianca 31:45
I feel like I have a same approach for every tournament, just because I try to you know, keep in mind that any tournament I play is an important tournament. So you know, coming into this week, I guess, you know, whether you're so bent to that's coming up next. Next week. Oh, my gosh, I have no concept of weeks anymore. But yeah, and I'm sorry, but in a couple of weeks, you know, definitely this tournament. I hope it like helps build up my confidence for, like I said, the US Open, I guess I'm also going to use it as like, an event to hopefully help sharpen my game a little bit more. But yeah, it's, I try to have the same approach to every tournament, I apply the same pressure that I enjoy. Not too much, though. But I have to learn how to handle that. or manage that rather, but yeah, I don't, I don't know. I just don't like the mindset of you know, just because it's a regular tournament, you're going to treat it any less than a major. I don't I don't like that. It's, I try to prepare for every tournament. Like how, just like they're all the same, give the same level of importance. And I think that's like a good mindset to have.
Douglas Maida 32:55
Right? Right. Right.
Bianca 32:57
Yeah.
Douglas Maida 32:58
Okay. Do you have any goals that you'd like to accomplish in Houston? Or are you just kind of taking it along one day at a time one shot at a time kind of approach.
Bianca 33:13
I'm definitely a one shot at at a time kind of person that I don't like getting ahead of myself. Like, that's something I try to practice, especially when I'm out on the course. You know, everything goes, I tried to get shot by shot every single time I try my very best to stay in the present all the time. I do anything I can just to do that. Whether it's eating, drinking water, breathing exercises, or like, I don't know, tapping my fingers, which is kind of my thing, you know, just know that I'm staying present. But yeah, I just don't like getting ahead of myself, just because it doesn't really help me that much. I just need to put like, 100% into the shot that I'm about to hit.
Douglas Maida 33:59
Right.Right. Right. Do you ever find yourself second guessing yourself when you're on course? Or is it just a matter of, you know what, I'm just gonna start focusing on my very next shot.
Bianca 34:10
I think that's more of the kind of clear that I am, you know, if I hit a bad shot, it's just like, well hit a bad shot. But you know, I have another shot to make, which I can definitely I can probably hit it better, you know, still try to save par. But yeah, it's more of a I kind of I try to forget about the bad shots that I just hit because what's what's the use of like, dwelling on something that already happened? So I try to, you know, move on from that. I don't know. It's just there's no point on getting frustrated over something that just happened and it was definitely something that I had to work on through the years. It's not, you know, handling your emotions on the course is something that you have to work on. It's not some, I don't know something. Maybe some players figure that out pretty early but for me, it's More like a learning process, which I think I've grown so much as a player and I don't know, like, looking at how I play. I feel very proud of like, how I'm able to manage my emotions and how I'm able to bounce back like the next few holes are next few shots that I hit. So definitely, very, very important.
Douglas Maida 35:25
Yeah, that's very impressive. Being able to stay in the moment like that, and, and not dwelling on what just happened, nor focusing on what's happening out in the future. Right. So,
Bianca 35:36
Yeah, yeah, definitely staying present is so important. It's like, you have to pay attention to all the elements, like you already have so much to think about when you're about to hit your shot.
Douglas Maida 35:46
Right.
Bianca 35:46
So what's the use of adding more thoughts in your head? Especially if it just happened? Like, forget it? You, you can't do anything about it anymore. Just move on.
Douglas Maida 35:57
Right, right. Um, Bianca, let's talk a little bit about your game per se, the the physical part of your game. What would you say the best part of your game is?
Bianca 36:10
My long game I guess. My drives,
Douglas Maida 36:13
Okay. I was gonna say the most obvious question and answer.
Bianca 36:20
Yeah, yes my drives.
Douglas Maida 36:21
Let's take that out of the equation because you're, you're exceptional with your driving. After you're driving, what do you think the best part of your game is? Or the most enjoyable matter?
Bianca 36:33
And Okay, so, greeatest part of a game and enjoyable part are probably two different things. I really enjoy playing like I love my putter. It may not be great all the time, but I enjoy my putter it's probably my second favorite club in the bag.
Douglas Maida 36:51
Seeing as you use it the most too.
Bianca 36:53
Yeah, exactly. But yeah, like I said, you know, you can enjoy it most of the time, but it will be great all the time. Until you master how to putt well, which is something I've tried to work on I'd definitely say my putter
Douglas Maida 37:11
Yeah. Is there a part of the of your game that you really like to work on and are trying to maybe get to a point where you can excel at a little more?
Bianca 37:25
definitely short game I work on my wedges a little bit more if I can hit it close you know and get better at striking distance I would definitely help my game especially you know, when if I hit my drive good and I'm left with like a shorter club in those are like really important, crucial shots, you know, especially if they can get a little bit closer give you more chances for birdies to just you know, to make more putts. I'd definitely say probably my wedges and just striking the ball better.
Douglas Maida 38:00
Getting the distances down. dialing in those distances a little bit better?
Bianca 38:03
Yeah, definitely. Yeah, exactly. dialing distances. Yep. That's, that's it.
Douglas Maida 38:10
Let me ask you a question about playing match play. I mean, obviously, you hit the ball very, very well. Are there occasions where you step up to the tee? And you think to yourself, you really want to let one rip just because you want to make a statement in the match play format and kind of put the other person on the backfoot a little bit or is that just kind of or do you just kind of avoid that kind of thought process and say, you're just gonna worry about yourself?
Bianca 38:38
If it's Matchplay, then probably I think Matchplay just brings up the competitive in you and I would, okay, I'm not just speaking for myself, but I'm pretty sure that's how most people feel. It's a different game. And I enjoy it, especially as a competitive person. It's sometimes you know, I had the thought, especially if it's, like the fairway's wide open. Oh my gosh, it's like the perfect setup for a good drive. I'm like, you know, feel very confident right now. And I just let one rip and I'm gonna be honest, but it has happened. And, you know, sometimes I can't avoid that. But But even you know, I'm still in control of my game. Like when I know that I have to hit a safe shot. I still definitely stick to that. But you know if I can be aggressive if I can't hit a good one if I want to rip one that I probably would.
Douglas Maida 39:29
Yeah.
Bianca 39:30
Yeh.
Douglas Maida 39:31
And it goes back to the competitive days playing with your sister.
Bianca 39:35
Oh my god. It was so funny just growing up with my sister and she said it for me cuz she was a lot. She was older than me, obviously a lot taller. So I remember after we'd go to the driving range, I'd go to my dad and be like, Dad, what's the longest I hit today? Or my sister would probably ask her Dad, what's the longest drive a hit today and dad would say like, oh 120 and be like what about me? What's the longest drive that I hit my that'd be 100 yards. And that was like my first goal when I was younger to get it 100 yards because like three digits, those are so cool. Like if you get 100 yards for me, I was, I don't know, like eight, nine, maybe I don't think I got 100 when I was so young. But anyway, yeah, it was. I think that's when I got even more competitive. And then I started catching up to my sister "I'm getting there".
Douglas Maida 40:25
Yeah, that's good. That's good. I have sisters too. And we're always back and forth. It's always spirit. Well, you know, I like to tease. Yeah, I like to tease my younger sister saying I was the best competitor she had, because she was always trying so hard to beat me. And she became such a good athlete in her own right.
Bianca 40:44
Yeah, that's true. That's very true. Thank you to my sister for making me more competitive than I already am.
Douglas Maida 40:53
Oh, terrific. So after Dallas, you're just gonna head straight down to Houston and start, or do you have any strategy on you know, I mean, because Thursday and Friday, they're playing two courses because of the daylight issue. And so you're going to be playing Jackrabbit? Yeah, it'd be playing Cyprus, any sort of game plan as to how you're going to tackle that and, you know, getting your practice rounds in.
Bianca 41:16
I mean, I've already signed up for practice rounds. So I think I've had it all listed down, I feel like most people did the same thing. I think. I don't even remember what I signed up for. I think I might play well, obviously, one course twice. I think it's Cyprus. And then Jackrabbit once. But, you know, like I said, you gotta do what she can with what you have. So I'm probably just gonna take a little bit more time when I'm out in Jackrabbit and just try to learn the course as much as I can. And one round, which, you know, that's something I learned in college too, like, when you play a course, you only have one practice round. So it was definitely something I've benefited from, I was able to, I don't know, just learning how to maximize the time that you have on the course. And trying to learn from one practice round. That kind of helped me, especially with my transition to call our professional golf. I mean, we have more practice rounds now, which is, which is great, but you know, it was still a big help, especially like this. For this instance, I'm only going to be able to play Jackrabbit once. So, yeah, I'll see what I can do.
Douglas Maida 42:28
Yeah. Okay, terrific. Bianca, I'd love to be able to visit with you a lot longer. I'm sure there's a lot more topics we could get into and whatnot. But I'd like to thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule and what not to be with us on the show. You know,
Bianca 42:48
Thank you for having me
Douglas Maida 42:49
Oh, it's our pleasure, Bianca. I mean, you went via the Facebook and some of the email messages I'm getting, you know, a lot of, as I mentioned to you, at the top of the show, a lot of our listeners and followers are from the Philippines, and they're always like, "get Bianca, get Bianca, get Bianca".
Bianca 43:05
Oh, my gosh, their support is overwhelming. And but yeah, I'm really blessed and grateful to have such a great support system. And, I mean, I take honor and pride in representing the country, so I'm just really thankful for everyone's support.
Douglas Maida 43:21
Yeah, yeah. Well, you keep it up. You're doing fantastic. You know, pretty soon you're gonna be there with the Manny Pacquiao status
Bianca 43:33
Gosh what an athlete to follow.
Douglas Maida 43:38
All right, Bianca thank you so much again. And all the best in Dallas and all the best, even more so in Houston.
Bianca 43:45
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure doing this podcast. It was a lot of fun. So thank you again for having me.
Douglas Maida 43:52
Thank you. Thank you. And that ladies and gentlemen concludes our show for today. We're very proud and happy that we could bring you, Bianca peg done and on as I mentioned, so many of our listeners have written in by email have contacted us reached out on Facebook, just basically asking to do a little bit of a feature and introduce our audience to Bianca. So we wish her all the best. She's just concluded her event in Dallas and she's on her way now down to Houston for a really big week and we wish her all the best. So thank you for listening into our podcast, and we look forward to seeing you next time. Till then have a great day. And remember to keep the ball on the short grass
Amy (Studio) 44:39
You are listening to. We're talking both produced by the world of golf. This episode was recorded on December 2 2020. If you have an idea for a future show, please let us know by sending an email to us at info@worldofgolf.org -- please include podcast show in the subject line This show is the copyright of the world of golf. Thank you for listening