By Jeon Han and Sohn JiAe
Photos = Yonhap News

Rookie Park Sung-hyun made her first LPGA victory at the U.S. Women’s Open, at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., on July 16.

The 23-year-old Korean captured the win by shooting a 5-under-par round of 67 on the final round of the championship that left her at 11-under-par 277. The victory awarded her USD 900,000 in prize money, equivalent to about KRW 1.2 billion.

She dropped out of contention on the first round, however, carding only a 1-over par 73, and seemed to have no chance until the second round.

Nonetheless, Park, who last year let the U.S. Women’s Open slip away from her with a mishap on the final hole, demonstrated her great grit on the third round by making six birdies in her last nine holes.

On the final round, where she started in fourth place in the ranks, three strokes behind the lead, Park stayed focused and competed it all in a calm manner, straight to the end. While U.S. President Donald Trump was watching the game, she made a decisive birdie on the 15th hole, taking over the lead. She then wrapped up the tournament with a brilliant up-and-down par save on the final 18th hole.



“To be honest, I still can't believe it's actually happening. I’m on cloud nine. I did have many winnings at other tournaments, but winning here at the U.S. Open means so much more,” Park said.

When asked whether she was aware that President Trump was watching, Park said, “I saw the president yesterday. I thought he would come back today, but I didn’t actually get to see him. When I was approaching the 15th hole that was a par 5, all I was focusing on was to capture a birdie.”

Other Korean players also stood out at the tournament. Choi Hye-jin, a 17-year-old amateur, came in second with a 9-under-par 279, while Hur Mi-jung and Ryu So-yeon tied for third at a 7-under-par 281.

Seven more Koreans were ranked in the Top 10, as well.

hanjeon@korea.kr