Constantino bags Georgia Women’s Open diadem

MANILA, Philippines — Harmie Constantino kept the Philippines’ remarkable win run in the US going, rallying from three down and romping off with a six-shot victory with a closing seven-under 65 in the Georgia Women’s Open at the Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega, Georgia Tuesday.

Constantino, a former national champion and winner of a pro tournament back home, overhauled Emma Jandel’s overnight three-stroke lead with a scorching seven-under in the last 12 holes, finishing the 36-hole tournament at 13-under 131 and beating Georgia teammate Jenny Bae, who pooled a 137.

“It was great,” said Constantino after ruling her first competition since the NCAA East Lansing Regional in May. She returned home to the Philippines for a month and a half before returning to the US prior to the Open.

“I was home for a month and a half putting in work on different parts of my game every day,” said Constantino. “I had so much confidence in my putting the last three days. I was hitting it well and hitting a lot of greens. My irons and putting were really good. It was almost unbelievable I was hitting it so well.”

Constantino began the day in second place, three strokes off first-round leader Jandel. Following her lone bogey at No. 4, the diminutive Filipina played the final 12 holes at seven-under. She turned at 1-under with birdies coming at No. 7 and No. 9. Following another birdie at No. 10, Constantino racked up four-consecutive birdies from Nos. 12 to take control then capped her explosive round with a birdie at No. 18.

“I really didn’t expect to have a good tournament. I just wanted to compete and see where I was and go from there. All I wanted to do was stay steady, try to make birdies and really stay away from bogeys. I didn’t expect to play so great. It’s just awesome,” she said.

Constantino’s victory came days after Yuka Saso topped the Girls Junior PGA Championship in Hartford, Connecticut and Aidric Chan’s triumph in the premier division of the Junior World Championship in San Diego, both last Friday.