Oh Wins 2nd Career LPGA Victory at Sybase Classic

Golfer Oh Ji-young, 21, twisted and turned on the night before the final round of the LPGA Sybase Classic.

She tied for the lead after the first three rounds and had to fend off tough Norwegian competitors such as Suzann Pettersen and Brittany Lincicome.

The flying distance of Oh’s drive shot was around 240 yards, while the Norwegian competitors could send the ball farther. They also had major tour wins under their belts.

Oh, however, raised her second LPGA trophy yesterday with a winning score of 14 under-274 at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey.

“I didn’t care about the others. I just wanted to play my game,” she said. “I kept reminding myself that I have good iron and wedge shots. When I won my first championship last year, I couldn’t even speak properly. I’m really enjoying it this time.”

Winning her first tournament at the State Farm Classic last year, Oh earned 300,000 U.S. dollars in prize money yesterday and jumped to eighth in the money rankings. She also surpassed one million dollars in career earnings (1,212,367 dollars).

Oh is known for training hard in practice. She had to throw away her new sand wedge just two months after getting it because it was worn out.

Petersen finished second at 10 under-278 while Lincicome ended up tied for sixth at six under-282. Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer shared third at eight under-280.

kjs0123@donga.com