Four years and 106 events later on the LPGA Tour, Hee Young Park is now a champion. Holding off all chargers late in the final round, to claim her first win at the CME Group Titleholders in Orlando.With a star studded leader board, Park played steady golf in the final round at the Grand Cypress Resort to claim her first victory by two strokes over Sandra Gal and Paula Creamer.
Finishing her maiden win off with a two-under 70, park closed out her event with a clutch chip shot on No. 18 with not only the tournament on the line -- But, her first win on the LPGA Tour as well.
“It’s a dream come true. I still can't believe it.” said Park after her win.
The 2005 Korean LPGA Rookie of the Year, said she had felt pressure from sponsors and perhaps her native South Korea; a golfing powerhouse, to produce a win after not doing so in nearly four years on the LPGA Tour.
Beginning the day tied with Gal for the lead, the 24-year old had an early flub on the front side. She bogeyed the fourth hole briefly relinquishing the lead to Gal.
Park, then ran off three birdies over her next four holes to reclaim the lead that she would never lose again.
Creamer gave her a late charge on the back nine, but was unable to catch Park in the end.
“That’s awesome playing, especially in these conditions, when there are a lot of top players, battling, trying to get up there,” Creamer said after the last event on the LPGA Tour schedule for 2011.
After four years of being on the LPGA Tour, Park embraced by Gal on the 18th green was in tears as you could tell this was not only a huge moment of happiness, but almost relief in the victory.
A great scene on the 18th green unfolded after a champagne bath as her father was there to celebrate his daughter's achievement, embracing her during the moment of triumph that had eluded her until now.
A very fitting way to close the 2011 LPGA Tour season.
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