Saso settles for third spot in Augusta Women’s Amateur

Reigning Asian Games individual gold medalist Yuka Saso of the Philippines closed out with a three-under-par 69 on Saturday to finish third in the first-ever Augusta National Women’s Amateur in Georgia.

The long-hitting Filipino-Japanese, described by many as a legitimate LPGA force in the very near future, was the third and last player to finish under par over the gorgeous Augusta National layout, the home of the fabled US Masters.

After actually winning two gold medals for the Philippines in the last Asiad in Jakarta, Saso’s third place finish easily is the biggest international achievement for her, considering that the competition at Augusta came from all over the world.

Jennifer Kupcho of the United States closed out with a 67 for a 206 tally, winning the tournament by four shots over Mexico’s Maria Fassi, who returned a 70.

It was the first time in the history of Augusta National that women competed in a tournament.

Kupcho began the day with a one-shot lead over Fassi. The good friends, who both qualified for the LPGA Tour last fall but decided to stay in college for their senior years, battled it out toe-to-toe in the final round.

A standout for Arkansas, Fassi had the hot hand early.

After opening up with a bogey, Fassi birdied Nos. 2, 3, 7 and 8 to take a one-shot lead at the turn.

Kupcho, though, pulled level after an eagle on the par-5 13th, only to yield the pace again after Fassie picked up a shot on the next hole.

The turning point came when Kupcho drained successive birdies from the 15th.