Poker-faced Park does what she does best – attack

“Justin has all the experience in the world and is another of those steady players who is well suited to plotting his way round at Birkdale, avoiding the fairway traps and the knee-high rough . . .

“It was there, of course, where he burst on to the scene in 1998, finishing tied fourth at the age of 17 behind American winner Mark O’Meara. I remember people saying at the time that it was the best result by a British amateur since 1921.” — Reuters SOUTH Korean women’s golf domination presented a new face on Sunday in US Women’s Open winner Park Sung-hyun, whose long-hitting and ultra-aggressive style set her apart from many compatriots.

Park plays with a poker-face intensity and crushes the ball with a flowing power swing that takes dead aim at her target.

She goes by the nickname, “Dak Gong”, coined by Korean fans that translates into “just shut your mouth and attack”, she explained after starting the final round three back and winning her first major by two shots.

“[Compared] to a lot of Korean female players, I guess I am more aggressive in my play,” said 23-yearold Park. “So fans gave me that nickname last year that I just focus on attack and aggressiveness. And I’m happy for it.”

LPGA Tour rookie Park finished with pair of five-under-par rounds of 67 to claim the $900 000 (R11.6-million) first prize and finish what she started at last year’s US Women’s Open at CordeValle in California.

There she was the 36-hole leader but posted 74-74 in the last two rounds and splashed in the water on the 72nd hole to end up third, two shots from a playoff.

“I think compared to last year, I could say that I played probably a little bit more relaxed,” said Park.

Park’s triumph at Trump National Golf Club may have surprised some at the course owned by US President Donald Trump, but would have been no surprise to fans back home.

Her ability to maintain focus is a weapon that matches her obvious talent swinging the clubs. — Reuters