[LPGA] Excitement Builds Ahead of US Women`s Open

Pak Se-ri is always excited this time of year since winning the U.S. Women’s Open in 1998.

In the run-up to the opening of this year’s tournament at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, the U.S. Golf Association on its homepage ranked her 1998 victory as the best among the top 10 moments in U.S. Women’s Open history.

Then 20, Pak shot to victory in an intense battle Jenny Chuasiriporn that lasted 92 holes. Now 31, Pak said, “It was really a drama. The excitement I felt at the time will last a lifetime.”

The association chose Birdie Kim’s performance in 2005 as the ninth most dramatic win. She won with a 13.7-meter bunker shot on the 18th hole in the final round.

Last year, Park In-bee at 19 became the youngest golfer to win the event by four shots, breaking the mark set by Pak.

Korea’s star female golfers have won a combined five championships this year, and are set to create more drama at this year’s U.S. Women’s Open. The organizer of the tournament recognized Korea’s heightened standing by inviting Park, Shin Ji-yai and Kim In-kyung for an official interview ahead of the championship’s opening.

Park said, “The course will be favorable for those who can hit long shots. Furthermore, the flying distance is 15 yards longer than other courses. Good results are likely unless I fail to adapt to the greens.”

Shin also expressed confidence by saying, “I will try to be the world’s top player. I like fast greens.”

Shin and Park will play on the same team in the first and second rounds. Kim In-kyung will play with Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and Paula Creamer of the United States.

Asked about such young players, Pak said, “I’m proud of them and could feel strong energy from them. Looking at them, I’d like to return to the days when I was a beginner and begin my career all over again.”

kjs0123@donga.com