Thailand's Moriya wins Junior Open

13-year-old Jutanugarn becomes first girl to win The Junior Open

By
published

Moriya Jutanugarn, a 13-year-old from Thailand, became the first girl to win The Junior Open, The R& s biennial 54-hole championship for under-16s. Moriya added a round of 78 in extremely difficult conditions to her opening 72-75 to finish on a nine-over-par total of 225. Moriya, from Bangkok, is a scratch golfer and is the Girls' Champion of Thailand. She had never played golf in Europe before and had not set foot on a links course prior to this week.

Overnight leader Steven Lam of Hong Kong retained the lead with nine holes to play, but had a triple bogey on the 13th to fall behind, and failed to birdie the par-5 closing hole to draw level. 14-year-old Jordan Spieth of Texas tied for second with Lam after a birdie at the last and his challenge could have been stronger had he not bogeyed the 11th, 13th and 15th.

"I had a great putt for a birdie that rimmed out at the 17th, said Spieth. It was that kind of day for me. Moriya was a little bit lucky to chip in for an 8. If she hadn't done that, we could have had a play-off. But she deserved it. A great little player."

Golf Monthly
The leading website from the world’s oldest golf magazine, we’re the go-to destination for amateur and keen golfers alike who are keen to up their golfing game. As well as expert course reviews, news and tips to improve your handicap our golf-focused travel content will help you pair teeing off with your travels in some of the best destinations around the globe.