Philippine golfer Bianca Pagdanganan finished Round 1 of women's individual stroke play at joint 13th during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Philippine golfer Bianca Pagdanganan was feeling a whole mix of emotions when competing in Round 1 of the women's individual stroke play during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
First of all, the returning Olympian shared how she was a bundle of nerves--even after competing in Tokyo 2020.
"I was really excited. I haven't felt this nervous in such a long time, especially walking up to the first tee," Pagdanganan shared to Cignal TV/One Sports.
For one thing, there was a crowd cheering in support--a far cry from Tokyo 2020 where everything was limited due to COVID-19 protocols.
"It got me pumped, it got me nervous. But nerves are good. That means this means something to you."
The nerves seemingly got to Pagdanganan, listing three bogeys in the front nine.
"The whole thing was challenging. It's a tough course," she admitted. "I feel like I wasn't hitting great today."
She did get her bearings in the back nine, picking up three birdies in turn to finish at an even-par of 72. Good enough at joint 13th for Round 1.
[ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Bianca Pagdanganan lands joint 13th, Dottie Ardina joint 40th after Round 1 of golf]
Some positive thoughts helped Bianca calm down to stay in the top 20. A part of it was getting reminded of the inspiring stories of other athletes and committing to every shot.
Another part was a lot of self-love.
"I just kept it simple, a lot of breathing exercises, really telling myself, 'I got this.'" Pagdanganan said, chuckling.
Most importantly, she was able to feel the love from her family and other Filipinos right in the venue.
"It actually gave me goosebumps, thinking about how much people came out in support. We're not that close to the Philippines right now, but being able to see that support and for them to show up, it really means a lot," Bianca admitted.
"Walking up to the first tee, I was, 'I think I'm gonna cry a little bit, maybe shed a tear or two.' 'Cause nakakataba talaga ng puso," she said. "I know my family came out, but even people I don't know, it's just a great experience. And you don't get this all the time, so just trying to cherish it a lot and enjoy this whole moment."
Round 2 will be on August 8, Thursday, 3:00 p.m., Philippine time.
(With reports from Denise Tan/Cignal TV, One Sports)