NEW JERSEY (TIP): Indian American high school junior Megha Ganne may have finished only as the low amateur at the 2021 US Women’s Open Golf tournament, but she has become a new idol to hundreds of young girls.

The 17-year-old from New Jersey played in the final group but shot 77 and finished 3 over as the low amateur as Yuka Saso became the first Filipino to win the tournament at Olympic Club, San Francisco.

“I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life,” said Ganne, who is poised to become a future ‘Megha-star,’ as the Golf Channel put it. “It’s everything I’ve wanted since I was little, so it’s just the best feeling.”

“It’s my favorite part of the whole week,” said Ganne at Saturday’s press conference following her 1-over 72. “I love spending time with them and saying hello and just seeing their smiles.”

On Saturday, Ganne was counting down the hours until her final round paring with the American favorite Lexi Thompson and 19-year-old Yuka Saso. Ganne knew there was a chance she could hoist that trophy and she was going to give it all she could on Sunday to make it happen, the Golf Channel said.

“I guarantee you all 156 people in this field have thought about winning this championship and they just don’t say it because they want to seem humble. But, yeah, it’s been down there and hopefully I have a chance tomorrow,” she was quoted as saying.

On Sunday morning at 10:35 PT, the hours were up, and Ganne teed off first out of the three players. It was a little bit of a rocky start. Ganne’s tee shot landed into heavy rough, and she began the day with a double bogey.