Argentina’s Molina Takes Costa Rica Classic

By Staff Beach Times

Argentina’s Mauricio Molina made three birdies on his way to a flawless final round of three-under par 68 to win the first edition of the Costa Rica Golf Classic in Guanacaste on Sunday.

“I’ve been playing here for many years and a win didn’t come my way until now, so I’m extremely happy,” said an emotional champion. It was his first Tour de las Americas (TLA) win from 81 official starts.

The experienced 41-year old finished the week at nine-under par 273, three strokes clear of the USA’s Rob Grube, who led him by one at the start of the day.

© Photo Courtesy

(Photo Courtesy of Tour de las Americas)

The championship, held at the Reserva Conchal Golf Club, closed the 2008 TLA season, and was the first event co-sanctioned by the TLA and the Canadian Tour.

The up-and-coming rookie Grube ended up carding a 72 to finish as the runner-up. His countryman Robert Gates carded a 69 to finish a stroke further back. The best move of the final day was made by Argentina’s Sebastián Saavedra, who shot a five-under par 66 to move into fourth place.

Molina out-played Grube, who kept things under control until bogeying holes 12 and 13. His mistakes opened the door to the Argentine, who birdied 14 to open a two-stroke lead.

“I stayed attached to my strategy. He was the one forced to take risks after those two bogeys. He got within one at 16, but made a mistake on 17 to run out of chances,” commented the father of six from Rio Cuarto, Argentina.