Do Nabs Women's Public Links Title


Brianna Do narrowly edged Marissa Dodd of Allen, Texas, 1-up, to win the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. Do, who was born in Southern California but who played for her parent's home country of Vietnam, because the third UCLA player to win the championship, which took place on the Old Macdonald course at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

Do and Dodd entered the final hole all-square. Do's tee shot found the fairway on the par-4 18th, while Dodd's tee shot landed in a bunker. Dodd's second shot rolled to the back of the green, about 50 feet away. Do's approach stopped 15 feet from the cup.

Dodd's first putt went 8 feet past the hole. Do then missed her birdie try, but was conceded par. Dodd's matching par attempt missed just left, giving the match to Do.

"I think I've played so well this week and, I don't know, I really wanted it," a teary-eyed Do said at greenside. "I'm at a loss for words."

Do joined former Bruins Mary Enright (1981) and Tiffany Joh (2006, '08) as champions of the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links. UCLA's team this year won the NCAA championship, but Do was left off the five-player team. "It means even though I didn't play on the national championship team, I can still play," Do said at greenside.

"We have a really strong team, and whatever my coach decided, it was okay. I worked hard, and I just won the Women's Public Links."

Do next plans to try to get her LPGA Tour card later this year.