Sung Hyun Park has a score to settle.
A year ago, playing in her first U.S. Women’s Open, Park was in prime position to win before she faltered with a final-round 74 to finish in a respectable — but disappointing — tie for third.
“I don’t have any regrets and I think that was a valuable experience, precious experience for me,’’ she said. “Rather than regretting about it, I was here for the first time as a non-member [of the LPGA Tour and playing in her first U.S. Open] and that got me much better to be where I am now.
“However, this year I play as LPGA member and during the year I also gained lot of experience so I think that experience definitely helped me be here and maybe put me at little ease, more comfortable.
“Last year I came here as a nonmember, but, however, I got very valuable experience, playing there last year. So I think that kind of provided me the solid ground to come back here. And with that experience and learning, I hope that I will have a good finish.’’
Park, a 23-year-old from South Korea who lives in Orlando, Fla., again has herself in position to win the biggest tournament in women’s golf entering the final round with a chance to win thanks to the third-round 5-under 67 she posted Saturday at Trump National in Bedminster, N.J.
Park’s 67 got her to 6-under for the tournament, two shots off Shanshan Feng’s lead when she completed her round, which was highlighted by six birdies on the back-nine en route to a 30.
“The first half didn’t go as well as I wanted, but I kept telling myself that I should stay and be patient because then I will probably get a good birdie chances,’’ she said. “Although I only finished 1-under [through two rounds], I still had two more rounds to go. So, that would still be enough to provide me an opportunity to play better and I think that’s probably what happened here [Saturday].’’
Park said she is inspired this week by former South Korean great Se-Ri Pak, who was a pioneer of sorts en route to winning 25 times and being voted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
“The U.S. Open is a tournament that reminds a lot of Korea players of Se-Ri Pak and also one of the motivations that a lot of players want to actually come and compete,’’ she said. “To be honest with you, I feel like some load off my chest. I was a bit frustrated my first two rounds [when she was 1-under], but it was sort of a clear shot for those two rounds. And I am probably more excited about [Sunday] and anticipation is raised.’’
Asked how she plans to handle Sunday’s final round, Park said, “I don’t think I’m going to do anything differently, just like the first three days. I think I’m going to prepare pretty much the same like how I did for the first three days. I’m going to get up at the same time and also try to practice the same amount of time.’’
