TJ Kliebphipat Wins 2023 Women's Section Championship
The Valley Club of Montecito | September 11-12, 2023
SANTA BARBARA, CA — The Women’s Division season comes to an end as the Final Round of the Southern California PGA Women’s Section Championship concluded Tuesday at the Valley Club of Montecito.
TJ Kliebphipat, a PGA Associate of The Valley Club of Montecito, is the 2023 Women’s Section Champion after posting a two-day total of 1-under-par 145 to win her first Championship title.
Entering the final round, Kliebphipat held a one-stroke lead going into the final round and went wire-to-wire to win on her home turf. Bryana Nguyen, PGA, produced the low score of the day with a 4-under-par 69 to finish in second with an even-par 146 total.
“Words can’t express how amazing it is to win at my home club,” said Kliebphipat. “This one feels really, really good, and I had all the members and staff out to support me, so it was really nice to show them that I just might know what I’m talking about. The course was beautiful, and Kevin and his staff brought out the red carpet for us this week. I was really proud to show all my peers in the Section what we can do, and this one means a lot to win.”
Winning the SCPGA Women’s Section Championship Senior Division was Leslie Spalding with a two-day total of 3-under-par 142 to claim her win in the Senior Division.
“I’m super excited to win today,” said Spalding after the award ceremony. “The course played super challenging, and the greens were playing fast. What an unbelievable experience to have a championship at The Valley Club of Montecito and play a course of this caliber and the quality of the grass. It was a true privilege to play here.”
A big thank you to The Valley Club of Montecito, its members and staff, and to Scott Puailoa, PGA, and Nicholas Yannotti, PGA, for hosting this championship.
Partners: Amy Sport, Maui Jim, PuttView, PGA Tour, and Seaweed Bath Co.