Eight-year-old Filipino golfer wins SF Junior Championship

Race Phoenix Manhit, 8, won his first-ever International golf title. FACEBOOK

SAN FRANCISCO – Race Phoenix Manhit, 8, captured his first-ever title on foreign soil when he topped the boys’ 7-9 division of the 92nd San Francisco Junior Championship at the Lincoln Park Golf Club in San Francisco, California Thursday, July 22.

The eight-year-old Filipino made four pars against three bogeys and two double bogeys to shoot a second straight 41 and finish on 14-over 82, Tribune Golf reports.

He beat Benson Chiou by six shots to bring home the trophy. Chiou, who was tied with Manhit in the first round, closed with a 47 to settle for second place.

Manhit finished 25th in the recent Junior World Championship in San Diego.

“San Diego was a great first-time experience in an international tournament. It would have better though if I was able to win a trophy,” he told Tribune Golf.

“That’s why I promised myself that I will work hard to end this golf trip with a win for the Philippines and for my family both here in California and back home.”

Manhit said he’s grateful for his father-caddie who kept on pushing him to believe in himself and “to my mom and sisters who just kept motivating me to do better.”