Unson, Legaspi rule Optimist golf

ANDIE UNSON regained her focus in sudden death to nip Daniela Darquea of Ecuador in the second playoff hole and capture the girls’ 14-15 crown of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship at the PGA National Golf and Resort Club in Palm Beach, Florida, Monday.

Clare Amelia Legaspi made it a two-win romp for the Philippines as she dominated the girls’ 10-11 division with a closing one-under-par 71 for a 223 total and a three-stroke victory over American Claire Hodges and Thai Ke Rojanapeansatit.

Unson knocked in an eight-foot downhill birdie putt at the par-5 No. 1 to tie the bigger, power-hitting Darquea and then made a routine two-putt par on the par-4 No. 8 to clinch the crown as Darquea three-putted from 40 feet.

“My knees were trembling as I putted for birdie and I was so happy when I saw it drop,” said the 15-year-old Unson, playing out of Master Academy.

She was actually ready to move to the third playoff hole when Darquea missed her short putt for par.

“I thank God for this victory and [ICTSI] coach Bong (Lopez) and teammates for their support,” said Unson.

Unson wavered with a double bogey-marred 76 to finish with 220 in the 54-hole tournament, enabling Darquea to force a playoff with an even par 72.

Legaspi, playing out of St. Paul-Pasig and Ayala Greenfields, showed superb form, firing the only under-par round in her class.