Valerie Mandujano Secures Thrilling Win at Waco Annual Charity Open

In a gripping display of determination and skill, Valerie Mandujano etched her name in the history books as the 2022 Waco Annual Charity Open champion. The event, part of the Disc Golf Pro Tour, saw Mandujano rise above the challenges that had previously held her back from claiming a top spot on the podium.

Mandujano's journey to victory was fueled by the words of her late grandfather, who instilled in her a fighting spirit and the resolve to never give up. "He would always tell us to keep pushing forward and that it's a new day," she recalled. "That mentality carried me through today." With each throw, Mandujano drew upon the trust she had built with her fiancé, Mason Ford, who had helped her adapt to a new bag and sponsorship.

As the tournament wore on, Mandujano's confidence grew, evident in her clutch play on the 53rd hole. "It was a combination of everything working together – driving, putting, and knowing my discs," she said. With Ford's guidance and support, Mandujano had honed her skills, practicing extensively with her new equipment.

Mandujano's perseverance paid off as she surged ahead in the final round at Brazos East Park. Starting four strokes behind Eveliina Salonen, she responded with a remarkable run of birdies to tie for the lead at the turn. Her game plan, honed through experience and focus, allowed her to navigate the treacherous Beast course, where even the slightest mistake can prove costly.

"I knew I had grown stronger than ever before," Mandujano said of her mindset heading into the final stretch. "It was about sticking to my game and not letting anyone else dictate my strategy." As she closed in on victory, Mandujano's trust in herself and her abilities shone through.

The outcome was far from certain as Mandujano faced a daunting dogleg on the 17th hole, but she rose to the challenge. "It showed me what I'm capable of doing," she exclaimed. "Winning on tour is an incredible feeling, and I know it will give me something to hold onto for future competitions."

In the end, Mandujano emerged victorious with a four-stroke win, followed by Kristin Tattar in second place and Catrina Allen rounding out the podium after her impressive 8-under round. The Disc Golf Pro Tour resumes on March 25-27 at the Texas State Disc Golf Championship in Tyler, Texas.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/keep-fighting