SAM MARTIREZ survived a birdie-less round through clutch pars and nipped The Country Club teammate Sofia Chabon by one stroke to snare the Kids Golf World Championship Malaysia crown at Palm Resort Melati Course in Johor Bahru late Friday.
Martirez lost her touch off the tee and struggled with her iron game on the long par-72 layout but still managed to par the last four holes and beat Chabon despite a 77.
The 17-year-old student at The Master’s Academy Homeschool wound up with a 225 and nailed her first big win in a young career.
Chabon also shot a 77 and finished with a 226 to complete a 1-2 finish by the TCC bets as erstwhile second running Geraldine Wong Xuan of Malaysia bombed out with an 80 and slid to third at 238.
South Korean Kim Joo Yeon also made an 80 for a 242 while Thai Suthasinee Sridet ended up with a 250 after an 83.
“Sam struggled from the start with errant drives and poor approach shots. But she showed some character in the closing holes and pulled through with gutsy pars,” said TCC coach Nestor Mendoza of Martirez, who carded 75 and 73 to lead Chabon by one.