Jayvie Agojo claimed her first Helene et Henri Hong Kong Ladies Open Amateur Championship at Fanling mid September, overcoming compatriot – and pre-tournament favourite – Dottie Ardina with an accomplished display in the final round.
Agojo, a graduate of Pepperdine University who qualified for this year’s US Women’s Amateur Open, fired a solid one under-par round of 71 over the Old Course for a three-day total of 215 and a three-shot win. Taiwan’s Peng Chieh (218) earned her second runner-up finish at the event in as many years, with another Filipina, Lovelyn Guioguio, finishing third, a further three shots adrift.
Ardina, one of the world’s most highly-rated juniors and a former winner of this event, had a day to forget, however. Starting the round just one behind Agojo, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy student who is based in Florida slumped to a disappointing 77 to place fourth.
"It feels great to win again," said Agojo, a three-time winner of the Philippines Sports Writers' Association's "Outstanding Women's Golfer of the Year" award. "I just kept my focus throughout and got some breaks with those long birdies."
Agojo, 25, holed a 40ft birdie putt on the 13th to increase her lead and essentially wrapped things up at the 16th, where she rolled in a 20-footer, also for birdie. It was her first individual tournament win of 2011, although she did claim the New Zealand Foursomes in harness with teammate Sarah Ababa earlier in the year.
Agojo also won the Mid Amateur title, which was played in conjunction with the Open championship.
Tiffany Chan and Kitty Tam, who tied for fifth spot on a total of 223, were Hong Kong's best performers, while Stephanie Ho, playing in her first tournament of the year, showed little sign of rust as she recorded a solid top 10. Ho, who has had to put golf on the backburner due to show business commitments following her successful appearance on TVB's singing programme, The Voice, started brightly with a 72 before fading slightly over the closing rounds.
Ladies Open Standings
1 Jayvie Agojo PHL 74 70 71 215
2 Peng Chieh TWN 70 76 72 218
3 Lovelyn Guioguio PHL 77 74 70 221
4 Dottie Ardina PHL 70 75 77 222
5= Tiffany Chan HKG 75 74 74 223
Kitty Tam HKG 72 76 75 223
7 Pavarisa Yoktuan THA 77 72 75 224
8 Pinrath Loom'ruang THA 75 75 76 226
9= Hathaikarn Wong'phaisal THA 75 76 79 230
Stephanie Ho HKG 72 78 80 230
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