“It’s been five years since my last win”: Guo walks away with title at Beaumont Emergency Hospital Open
(Beaumont, TX) – The final event of the ANNIKA WAPT 2024 season wrapped up in the Lone Star State at Beaumont Country Club. For numerous members of the field, the Beaumont Emergency Hospital Open was one of many stops on the ANNIKA WAPT schedule. However for Sophie Guo, it was her first time teeing it up at one of the tour’s events. Despite Guo being considered a first-timer on the tour, the University of Texas alum walked away with the title after defeating Anna Nordofrs in a playoff.
After carding rounds of 72 and 67, Guo was tied for the lead with Siyan Chen and Alice Hodge heading into the final round. Although Guo found herself with a bogey on the 4th hole during the final day, she navigated a way to secure two birdies on the front to make the turn with a 1-under-par 35.
“My game was great yesterday. Today it had some ups and downs but I just kept telling myself I needed to keep the momentum going into the back nine and to keep calm and be patient,” said Guo.
Once on the back, Guo carded one more birdie on the 12th hole and a bogey on the 16th hole to finish with a 1-under-par 71 for the day.
Nevertheless, Nordfors fired a bogey-free 4-under-par 32 on the front nine which moved her to the top of the leaderboard next to Guo. After Guo missed a birdie putt on the 18th green which would’ve secured her win, Nordfors and Guo made their way to the 17th hole for a playoff.
“I tried to keep telling myself it was another casual hole, another shot and to just focus on my swing and tempo and not think about anything else,” said Guo.
Guo was set first to tee-off on the 148 yard par 3 and showed no hesitation attacking the pin, leaving herself with a 10 foot putt. Nordfors also found the center of the green, alotting both players make-able putts for the win.
“Coming into this tournament I spent lots of practice hours and saw a lot of coaches so I felt that I was prepared for moments like this,” said Guo.
With just 10 feet in between Guo and a tournament title, her practice hours came forth as she drained the putt, leaving it up to Nordfors on whether the pair would head to the 18th hole. However, the UCF alum missed her putt just inches short of the hole, allowing Guo to take the victory.
“This win definitely means a lot because it's been five years since my last win. My game went up and down and there was a lot of doubt from people so it's been a long time coming and I’ve been telling myself I’ll get through it,” said Guo.
