Han Aims at Winning a Major

Hinging the future on winning the title of a major.

Last year, Hee-Won Han got defeated in the final three times. She won the "rookie award" in the US LPGA Tour in 2001. However, she has not won any major yet. Now, she seems ready to get over the jinx.

It was the first round of McDonald`s LPGA Championship held yesterday at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Demonstrating her excellent iron shots, Han led the Championship with –4under 67.

The course setting is notorious for its difficulty. Only nine of the 143 participant golfers recorded the under-par.

Now, the problem is whether Han could maintain the momentum to the end. It is pointed out that Han lacks the power to last till the end. Looking at her nice putting and iron shot, which brought about six birdies within 3 m, the problem does not seem to bother her this time. Especially, she has shown a constant play this year. She has advanced within top 10 in nine of ten championships or tournaments she participated.

Han later said, "I felt really good about my shots. It was my first time of leading a major in the first round. I also feel comfortable with DuPont Country Club. I`ve been here three times already this year."

In addition, other Korean players like Grace Park and Young Kim performed well. Park now secures the fourth spot, and Kim the sixth.

On the other hand, Se Ri Pak, despite her good start in the beginning, ruined the latter part of the first round, and now stands at 17th in the race.

In the meanwhile, Sorenstam, who has not won this title before, landed at the sixth with her strong tee-shots despite her poor putting.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com