Unson, Ababa clinch US Women's Am berths

MANILA, Philippines - Andie Unson fired a two-under 70 and nipped two others for the low medal honors in the US Women’s Amateur Qualifier at the Glendora Golf and Country Club in Glendora, California Monday.

Unson, the reigning Philippine Amateur champion, made four birdies against two bogeys for a 35-35 round as the top ICTSI bet edged Gabriela Lopez of Mexico and Kaitlin Park of California, who also turned in identical 70s, in the countback to clinch the top honors in the 18-hole elims which drew over 100 aspirants.

The US Women’s Amateur will be played Aug. 8-14 at the Rhode Island Country Club.

Over in Hawaii, Sarah Ababa carded a two-over 74 likewise gained a slot with a runner-up effort to Kristina Merkle, who had a 70, in the other qualifier at the Waikoloa Golf Resort’s King Course in Waikoloa.

Ababa made three birdies against five bogeys, including a three-putt miscue on No. 11 but finished second behind Merkle to clinch the second and last slot in one of the qualifiers at the Waikoloa Beach Resort and Golf Club. Merkle fired a 70 to top the elims.

In Washington, Jayvie Agojo matched par 72 and tied American Chessey Thomas in the lead in the opener of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Annual Women’s Amateur Championship stroke play competitions at the Port Ludlow Golf Club Monday.

Agojo bucked poor driving at the tight fairways of the rolling layout with a superb short game, saving pars four times on the sleek putting surface to lead the ICTSI-backed team’s charge in the 36-hole elims where the top 32 will advance to the match play phase.

Cyna Rodriguez carded a 73 for a share of third with Chihiro Ikeda, Rachel Morris of California, Samantha Postillion of Illinois and Mallory Kent of Washington while Lovelynn Guioguio made a 77 for joint 12th and Sunshine Baraquiel had an 80 for 23rd.