Downey's Savannah Vilaubi enjoying early success as pro golfer

DOWNEY – Fresh off of a win at the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Texas Women’s State Open, Warren High School alumni Savannah Vilaubi is now setting her sights towards the LPGA Volunteers of America Texas Shootout. 

Vilaubi, 22, has played tournament golf since a young age. She says that the idea of playing professional golf always sounded fun. 

“Growing up, whatever I did, I just wanted to be a pro at it – whatever that meant. I just wanted to be a professional whatever it was…,’” said Vilaubi. “...I always kept it on the backburner, and then got serious about it in high school, and realized what professional golf meant, what playing on scholarship meant in college...”

Vilaubi had a lot of success during her tenure with the Bears, earning such accolades as rookie of the year in her freshman year and player of the year every year after. Vilaubi also qualified for CIF every year.

Vilaubi’s dedication to golf earned her a scholarship to UC Riverside, where aside from earning her degree in major media and cultural studies, jokingly said that she “majored in golf.” 

Vilaubi’s UCR successes include the school’s lowest all-time scoring average, the first to qualify for the NCAA Regional Tournament as an individual, and player of the year in her senior year.

Vilaubi graduated in June of last year.

Vilaubi has only recently turned pro in the sport of golf, however has found quick success since making the transition from what she described as “the minor leagues.” 

“I turned pro four months after graduating last year – just started playing tournament after tournament and had some really early success,” said Vilaubi. “I think I’ve done well with that momentum, even still, to turn that into this big win that I had recently.”

The recent Texas State Open victory is already Vilaubi’s fourth in her still young professional career. 

Vilaubi commented that her early success makes her believe that she belongs in the arena of pro golf. 

“I’m definitely gonna give this time. This isn’t a fluke. I really feel strongly that I can do something like this and make it all the way,” said Vilaubi.

With her most recent victory, Vilaubi has earned an exemption into the aforementioned LPGA event scheduled for next April.