Rho One Stroke Behind Leader at Junior World

Sonora High’s Angela Rho shot a four-under-par 70 Thursday and is one stroke off the pace after three rounds of the Junior World Championships at Torrey Pines North Golf Course. Rho trails Thailand’s Virada Nirapahpongporn, who shot a 68 on the 6,161-yard course that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Rho’s round was remarkable considering she shot a three-under 34 on her back nine after sitting for an hour on the first tee (her 10th hole) while waiting for six foursomes to clear the first tee.

“I had just birdied 18 and it was just a total loss of momentum,” said Rho, who will be a senior this fall. “I just had to get focused again.”

She did, as she birdied Nos. 3, 4, 6 and 9. Her only bogey came on the 346-yard dogleg-right par four seventh.

“I’ve been comfortable with my game the last two months,” Rho said. “I’ve felt confident all week.”

Two years ago, Rho finished fifth in the girls’ 13-14 division at Singing Hills Golf Course. Last year, she played the Rolex Tournament of Champions, which fell on the same week as the Junior World.

Servite High’s Nico Bollini is eight strokes off the lead in the boys’ 15-17 division, played on the South Course. Bollini shot a 75 Thursday and is at 221. Leader Richard Moir of Australia is at 213 after shooting 71. South Africa’s Richard Sterne, who is being called the next Ernie Els in his homeland, shot a 76 and is three off the pace.