Han Hee-Won, `Just Missed!`

Was there too much pressure on the U.S. tour’s first victory?

As the driver tee-shot from the last 18th hole strayed from the fair way, dream for victory also flew away.

The 4th round of U.S. LPGA Tour Longs Drugs Challenge (total prizes 900,000 dollars) took place at Twelve Bridges Golf Club (par 72) in Lincoln, California, on the 22nd.

The previous day’s tied 3rd ranker Han Hee-Won (Fila Korea) had a good momentum to take up even the co-lead once, but made a severe mistake and finished 2nd. On the day, she reduced 2 strokes and recorded 7-under, but fell 1 stroke short before winner Cristie Kerr (U.S.A.).

Although Han failed to claim her first victory in an U.S. tour, she gained her best personal record, promising for the next season. Han first made her debut on the U.S. field as a conditional seed, but displayed powerful performance of claiming the rookie title.

Han seems to have completely adjusted in the U.S. field, as she was cut off only once during 6 tournaments she participated this year. She earned 82,192 dollars on the day, breaking through the season’s 100,000 dollar-line (118,524 dollars).

“I know I’ve just missed it, but it was a good experience. I am sure there will be more chances for victory in future, ” said Han.

Han, who took the lead in the 16th hole, fell in crisis as she tried to hit the tee shot too far from the 18th hole (par 4). The ball landed into the cart compartment, which was placed near the road.

After she, who got a free drop, laid up with a 4-iron punch shot, Han pitched wedge from the rough, then 2-putted from a 7-meter distance for bogey.

On the other hand, Kerr saved the par at the 18th hole with 2-on, 2-put, securing the long waited victory.

Meanwhile, Park Ji-Eun (Ihwa Women’s Univ.) scored 8 birdies and scored the lowest hit at the 18th, 7-under. Her final record of 4-under put her on the 5th position of the tournament and 4th top-10 in the season’s 6 tournaments she participated.

Kim Mi-Hyun (KFT) also finished the match with the same stroke with Park, and Park Se-Ri (Samsung Electronics) came tied-8th with 2-under. 4 of Korean female golfers were included in top 10 for the first in the history of U.S. tours.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com