MANILA, Philippines - Sofia Chabon and Bernice Olivarez-Ilas kept the momentum of their title romps in the FCG Callaway World Championship last week, completing another The Country Club sweep in the Ping Series golf championship at the Industry Hills’ Zaharias course in Los Angeles Wednesday.
Chabon, who ruled the FCG girls’ 15-18 division in California last weekend, mastered the par-71 layout with a pair of three-under 68s to pool a 136 and edge teammate Pauline del Rosario by one.
Unlike in her come-from-behind victory in the 54-hole FCG tilt, Chabon, on a home study program at The Masters Academy, took charge early behind solid iron play and putting but needed to sink clutch par putts in the closing holes to hold off a late-charging Del Rosario.
The reigning Thailand Ladies Amateur Open champion, Del Rosario rallied with a five-under 66 but fell short of her bid as she tallied a 137 while Sam Martirez, priming up for next week’s US Women’s Amateur, slowed down with a 70 after a 68 and wound up with a 138, capping the Filipina bets’ domination of the 36-hole tournament.
Thai K. Sukaree ended up fourth with a 140 after a 69 while other TCC bets Abby Arevalo carded a 72 for joint seventh at 146 and Kayla Nocum and Mika Fortuna struggled with 74 and 75 and finished with 151 and 153, respectively.
Ilas matched Chabon’s feat by outclassing the 12-14 field, putting in a pair of 71s for 142 and a five-stroke victory over J. Cai from Irvine, who closed out with a 72 for a 157. Local bet Vanesa Betangcourt ended up a far third with a 157 after an 80.