Mirabel misses NCAA Div 1 title
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising golf star Mirabel Ting came agonisingly close to creating history as she narrowly missed out on becoming the first Malaysian to win the prestigious NCAA Women's Division I individual title in the United States.
The 19-year-old, representing Florida State University (FSU), produced a superb closing round of four-under 68 to finish solo second with a 10-under 278 total at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in California on Monday.
Mirabel was edged by just two strokes by University of Arkansas standout Maria Jose Marin, who clinched the title with a 12-under finish.
"I was trying to play my game and do what I do on a golf course," Mirabel told NCAA.com.
"Once I'm in the right headspace, I'm able to play well - and I did today. I made a couple of mistakes on the front nine, but managed to stroke five under on the back nine."
Mirabel's runner-up finish matches the achievement of compatriot Natasha Andrea Oon, who also finished second in the 2022 edition at Grayhawk Golf Club in Arizona.
FSU head coach Amy Bond was full of praise for the Malaysian sophomore, who has enjoyed a stellar season in collegiate golf.
"Mirabel played some great golf this week," said Bond, as quoted on FSU's official athletics site.
"She really wanted to birdie that last hole so she could finish 80 under par for the year. That's some unbelievable golf. She's hit the ball so well and her putting has come along. I'm extremely proud to have her and proud of the year she's having."
The NCAA Division I Championship is regarded as one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf, with past champions including legends such as Annika Sorenstam, Stacy Lewis, Grace Park and most recently, Rose Zhang — all of whom went on to enjoy decorated LPGA Tour careers.
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