Filipina golfer tops Florida tourney

Ellen Meister Presenting Trophy

Cyna Rodriguez is making a name for herself in the U-S college golf circuit by winning the Mission Inn Open in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.

Winners of the Maschmeyer Cup from the Philippines: Ana Imelda Tanpinco, Cyna Marie Rodriguez, Marie Dhel Dela Paz and Dottie Ardina

With a solid three-under par 69, she coasted to a 10-stroke victory over compatriot Mia Piccio and American Catherine O'Donnell.

Rodriguez, a former Junior World champion, birdied three of her first six holes at the back then never looked back en route to the runaway win, her first after two top three finishes in the Laura Diaz's FCWT (Future Collegians World Tour).

The 16-year-old veteran of the Asian Games and World Amateurs finished the 54-hole tournament with a 213 that included a pair of 72s at the Las Colinas course as she earned an exemption to the National Championship and a nomination to the FCWT All-American Team.

"I felt so good with my game the whole week. It's a nice feeling to get my first win," said Rodriguez, on a golf scholarship from ICTSI who finished second in the Tampa Bay Open last September and shared third place World Woods Rolling Oaks Open ruled by Piccio last October.