Star golfer Emily Odwin ended a commendable second at the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship (WALA) presented by The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation on Sunday, November 23, repeating her finish from the 2024 edition, and drawing praise from Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
The sensational Bajan fell to Colombia’s María José Marín after a dramatic play-off at PGA Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Odwin, 21, and Marin, 19, each shot seven-under 281 (70, 70, 69, 72). But Odwin was a stroke back going into the last day of play. She evened things up on the first hole, as Marin bogeyed, and the Bajan birdied.
A four-shot swing had Odwin down four going into the last four holes of regulation. But the Caribbean champion again clawed her way back into contention, tying the score on the 18th to force the playoff. She eventually fell just short on the third playoff hole.
For Marin, it was third time lucky, after her own runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2022.
The prime minister, in a post on her Instagram page, said: “Emily Odwin, take a bow! Competing head-to-head at this level shows one undeniable truth: Barbadians are capable of greatness at ANY level, in ANY field.
“We salute you, Emily! Barbados will be supporting you every step of the way as you continue to make history. May your journey light the way for the next generation of Barbadian stars.”
Speaking through tears, Odwin said: “María is a phenomenal player, and I knew it was going to take something special out there to make it happen. I really gave it my all, left everything out there. María really deserves it, and I’m excited to see what she does going forward. She is going to have a long and great career.”
Odwin has competed in WALA the past five years, placing 25th, 10th twice, and second twice. But the 2025 edition will be her last. A senior at Southern Methodist University in Texas, she will finish her sports management degree in 2026 and turn her attention to the professional ranks.
The first golfer from her country to qualify for any major championship, Odwin played in the US Women’s Open at Erin Hills last summer. She also qualified for the final of the LPGA qualifying school, but will forego the last stage and focus on finishing her last year at SMU.
“To me, it didn’t feel right to leave and turn pro now,” she shared. “I’ll come back in the spring and then turn pro as soon as we’re done. I was always going to be a senior this year, and it was just a question of when I leave. I’m going to miss the start of the season, but then have the second half and hopefully have ten to 15 starts. I’ll give it a go and see what happens.”
(TF)
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