Fullerton’s Noe Captures U.S. Amateur Title : Golf: Believed to be first non-U.S. citizen to win, South Korea native carries on Woods’ tradition.

WESTFIELD, N.J. —  Terry Noe of Fullerton defeated fellow Californian Andy Barnes, 2-up, Saturday to win the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Echo Lake Country Club.

Noe, a South Korea native playing in his third tournament in the United States, is a student at Sunny Hills High and the 1992 South Korea junior champion. He is believed to be the first non-U.S. citizen to capture the title.

Noe’s victory was the fourth in a row for Orange County residents. The previous three tournaments were won by Cypress’ Tiger Woods.

In the championship match, Barnes took the lead on the first hole, holing a sand shot for birdie. Noe drew even with a par on the short par-4 second, then Barnes parred the third to regain the lead.

Noe birdied the fifth and parred the eighth for a 1-up lead, then moved to 2-up with a par on No. 13.

Noe birdied the 16th to give him a 2-up lead with two holes to play. Barnes got one back at 17, but lost the 18th hole when he put his first two shots into the fairway rough while Noe placed his second shot, a 25-foot approach shot, two feet past the hole, prompting Barnes to concede the putt and the victory to Noe.

When asked about the possible putt on the 18th hole, Noe said, “I didn’t care about that. I just wanted to make par on the hole.”

Noe, playing in the tournament for the first time, said, “When I got here this week I just wanted to make the stroke-play cut. The course was really tough for me in the practice round, but when I got to match play, I felt more comfortable.”

Noe had a relatively easy time in the morning semifinal, eliminating Mauricio Muniz of Puerto Rico, 5 and 3. Barnes defeated Charles Howell of Augusta, Ga., 1-up.

Noe’s victory earned him a spot in the U.S. Amateur Championship next month.