Nirapathpongporn Wins Women's Amateur Title

Nirapathpongporn showed the grit of a champion at the Women's Amateur. (John Mummert/USGA)

Gladwyne, Pa. – Virada Nirapathpongporn, 21, of Thailand, defeated Jane Park, 16, of Oak Valley, Calif., 2 and 1, in the 36-hole final to win the 2003 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at the 6,386-yard, par-71 course at Philadelphia Country Club. Nirapathpongporn became the 11th foreign-born winner of this national championship, which is one of 13 conducted by the United States Golf Association. Nirapathpongporn also avenged a disappointing loss to 13-year-old phenom Michelle Wie in the final of the Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in June at Ocean Hammock Golf Club in Palm Coast, Fla.

Hear an audio interview with the Champion Virada Nirapathpongporn

The Final Piece Of The Championship Puzzle

Gladwyne, Pa. – The Women’s Amateur trophy that Virada Nirapathpongporn captured on Sunday at Philadelphia Country Club – taking a famous line from the hit movie “ Jerry McGuire ” – definitely “completed her.” It was the crowning achievement in a career that was devoid of that one major victory; that one title that would recognize her as one of the best amateurs in the women’s game. The 21-year-old native of Thailand had proven herself on the collegiate level, edging out heavy favorite Lorena Ochoa to win the 2002 NCAA Women’s Championship as well as helping her Duke squad take the ’02 team championship.

Highlights Of Championship Match

Gladwyne, Pa. – Click here for highlights and statistics from the championship match at the 103rd U.S. Women's Amateur.

Photo Gallery For Championship Match

Gladwyne, Pa. – Click here for photos from the championship match at the 103rd U.S. Women's Amateur.

Comments From Champion And Runner-Up

Click the following links to get the transcripts from interviews with U.S. Women's Amateur champion Virada Nirapathpongporn and runner-up Jane Park:

Jane Park

Virada Nirapathpongporn

Greens Have Become Park's Place

Gladwyne, Pa. – Throughout much of Saturday’s semifinals at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, thunder could be heard in the distance. Fortunately, any visible signs of lightning stayed away from historic Philadelphia Country Club. But the day wasn’t devoid of any pyrotechnics. Jane Park provided her own electricity, thanks to a putter that was hotter than any Fourth of July firecracker.

 

 

 

Home - History - Players - Course - Results