Superal US jr champ

MANILA, Philippines—With steely resolve, Princess Superal fought back from a hole down with one to play in regulation before clinching the US Girls’ Junior championship over Mexico’s Marijosse Navarro with a routine par on the 37th hole on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Trailing in the 36-hole title match for the first time after a bogey on their second trip on the 17th, the 17-year-old Superal squared it with a birdie on the last hole of regulation.

The Filipino then exploited Navarro’s bad drive in the sudden-death hole to prevail and become the first Philippine-born player to rule a USGA event.

“I really didn’t expect it,” Superal, the spearhead of the ICTSI squad handled by Bong Lopez, said in an interview on usga.org. “I just feel very, very proud.”

The championship was a fitting end to Superal’s magical ride which saw her oust several fancied foes before being pitted against the Mexican national champion in the title match.

United States-born Dorothy Delasin, whose parents are Filipinos, won the event in 1996 while playing as an American. Dottie Ardina, who is now campaigning as a pro in the LPGA, also reached the title match but lost in 2011.

Superal’s victory over the long-hitting Navarro also marked the first time since 2006 that the title match went beyond regulation. Eight years ago, Jenny Shin also needed 37 holes to turn back Vicky Hurst.

“The jungolf community is extremely proud of Princess’ victory in Arizona,” said Luigi Tabuena, president of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines. “Philippine junior golf is definitely on a roll, especially since it comes a week after Daniella Uy won the Junior World.”

Superal actually blew a 2-up lead, allowing Navarro to pull even on the 33rd hole before the Mexican forged ahead for the first time on the 35th with a par on the par-3 hole.

Superal missed a five-foot putt on that hole and went into the final hole of regulation needing a birdie to tie.

“I just told myself to get a birdie (on the last hole),” said Superal, who canned a 10-footer and put pressure on Navarro, who missed the winning putt from eight feet.

Navarro then hit her drive far left off the 14th tee—the first playoff hole—and found the pond. That left a huge opening for Superal, who made the par-5 green in two and was conceded her par putt when Navarro’s attempt for par zipped past the cup.

“She just didn’t give up,” said Lopez. “Princess just kept her composure and made a birdie. She was simply tough.”