by Sean Martin
TRINITY, TX (November 7, 2009)--The United States took home another golf trophy Saturday, holding on for a four-shot victory at the Spirit International Amateur, an international team event held every two years.
The victory only marks the continuation of a long streak of team victories for the Red, White and Blue. Currently in the possession of the United States also are the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Solheim Cup, Curtis Cup, Junior Ryder Cup and Junior Solheim Cup.
The U.S., represented by Jordan Speith, Ben Martin, Alexis Thompson and Jennifer Johnson, finished the four-day event at 45 under, four shots better than Korea. Denmark finished third, 12 shots back of the U.S., in the format that only counts total birdies.
Thompson and Spieth are both No. 1 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Junior Rankings. Johnson is a freshman at Arizona State, while Martin is a senior at Clemson.
On the women’s side, Thompson and Johnson shot a final-round 68 to finish at 24-under 264 and cruise to a seven-shot division victory over Korea (Jee-Hee Kim and Hyo-Joo Kim).
On the men’s side, Spieth and Martin closed in 69, their worst round of the tournament, to finish in a tie for sixth at 21-under 267, six shots back of division winners Italy (Matteo Manassero, low amateur at this year’s British Open, and Andrea Pavan of defending NCAA champion Texas A&M).
Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cuppers Matthew Haines and Stiggy Hodson teamed to finish 8th for England.
Two years ago, the United States finished tied for second, two shots back of England. The U.S. also finished second in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
View results for The Spirit International Amateur
ABOUT THE The Spirit International Amateur
The Spirit International Amateur Golf
Championship is world class golf event
played every other year. It features the
world’s best amateur men and amateur
women golfers as they represent their
respective country in team and individual
competitions. The 96 participants enjoy an
Olympic-like experience from the
Opening/Closing Ceremonies, international
village and competing for gold medals.
The World Health & Golf Association and
Texas Golf Association invite 24 countries
from six continents to participate. Established
in 2001, The Spirit is a biennial event that
alternates tournament years with the World
Amateur Team Championships.
Part of the uniqueness of the Spirit International are
the five simultaneous competitions:
Combined International Championship, Men’s Team
Championship, Women’s Team
Championship, Men’s Individual and Women’s
Individual.
View Complete Tournament Information