Germany’s Max Rottluff and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn captured the titles at this year’s Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship at the Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Fla..
Rottluff defeated Curtis Thompson of Coral Springs, Fla in a sudden death playoff after the two players finished the tournament at even-par 280. A three-putt for Thompson on the first playoff hole was the break Rottluff needed to secure the win.
“I’m very happy,” Rottluff said. “I’ve lost two playoffs this year so to win this one is very sweet. I had a lot of chances and I treated each as if it might be the winning putt, but none dropped. Still, it all worked out and it has been a great week. I have one more year’s eligibility so I’m hoping I’ll be back to defend the title.”
The girls division wasn’t as close.
Jutanugarn cruised to a 4-stroke victory with a closing round of even-par 70. She finished the tournament at 6-over-par 286.
“It was a good round and I’m very pleased with the way I played,” Jutanugarn said. “I wanted to do this for my country, for Asia, but even more important, for me. Last year I had a chance to win and did not take it. I’ve been thinking about winning this event a lot during the year and I’m so happy I was able to fulfill my wish.”
Ursa Orehek of Slovenia finished second at 290.
Jrorangebowl.org contributed to this article.
