21 January 2008
The Philippines, second in the 2005 Women’s World Cup of Golf, made a single but massive step forward in the 2008 edition of the event at Sun City on Sunday when they held off South Korea to win the title by two strokes.
The two countries entered the final round tied for the lead but, after the Koreans had moved one ahead after 14 holes, the Philippines finished strongly, ending on 18-under-par 198, with South Korea completing the competition on 16-under 200.
Dorothy Delasin, playing alongside Jennifer Rosales, was outstanding under pressure; she birdied the final four holes to lift the pair to a final round of seven-under-par 65 in the final day’s betterball competition.
Shredded the course
The South Koreans excelled on the opening day, also played in the betterball format, shredding the normally unforgiving Gary Player Country Club course with a superb 11-under-par 61 to lead by one shot from France, three from Canada, and four from the Philippines, pre-tournament favourites Sweden, and the USA.
Hosts South Africa managed a four-under-par 68, leaving the pair of Ashleigh Simon and Laurette Maritz tied for thirteenth, seven shots off the pace.
The second day featured foursomes and the Philippines made their move up the leaderboard by posting a four-under-par 68, the best round of the day.
Taiwan carded a three-under 69, with Wales the only other nation to finish under par, with a one-under 71. South Africa was one of three teams to go around in level-par 72, along with South Korea and Japan.
Triple-bogey
The Koreans were cruising along, heading for another sub-par round when it all went wrong for them on the 17th as they carded a nasty triple-bogey, thus allowing the Philippines to move up to challenge for the title.
The fancied Swedes and Americans struggled and both tumbled down the standings as they limped around the course with rounds of 76 and 77 respectively.
Heading into the final day, it was the Philippines and South Korea in the lead on 11-under-par 133, followed by Taiwan, two shots back. Canada, after a round of one-over 73 was alone in fourth on seven-under 137, followed by France, Wales, and Japan on six-under. Home favourites’ South Africa were on four-under-par 140.
While the Philippines finished in style to capture the title, the Japanese matched their effort with a final round of 65 to make up three shots on Taiwan and tie for third on 13-under-par 203.
Excellent South African effort
South Africa turned in the third best effort of the day with a six-under 66 which propelled the hosts into a share of sixth, along with Canada and Wales, on 10-under-par 206. France sneaked in ahead of the trio by one shot after posting a five-under 65.
It was an encouraging showing by the home country as Simon and Maritz achieved their best finish yet in the tournament. Their sixth-place result put them ahead of defending champions Paraguay (ninth), the USA (10th), and the favourites Sweden (14th).
Final Leaderboard
- 1. Philippines 198, -18
- 2. South Korea 200, -16
- 3. Japan 203, -13
- 3. Taiwan 203, -13
- 5. France 205, -11
- 6. South Africa 206, -10
- 6. Canada 206, -10
- 6. Wales 206, -10
- 9. Paraguay 207, -9
- 10. Scotland 208, -8
- 10. United States 208, -8
- 12. Brazil 210, -6
- 12. China 210, -6
- 14. Sweden 212, -4
- 15. England 213, -3
- 16. Italy 217, +1
- 16. Spain 217, +1
- 18. Australia 218, +2
- 18. Germany 218, +2
- 20. India 229, +13
Want to use this article in your publication or on your website?
See: Using SAinfo material
