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Eun-Hee Ji Opens Her Bag

Eun-Hee Ji landed her final approach shot of the day 12 feet from the 18th hole location. Candie Kung was on the putting green anticipating a playoff. The 23-year-old Ji, though, decided to take the title on her own in regulation. Ji sank the birdie putt, winning the 64th U.S. Women's Open with an even-par 284 (71-72-70-71), capturing her second LPGA Tour victory and first major championship - worth $585,000, a 10-year exemption to the U.S. Women's Open and confirmed entry into the Samsung World Championship.

"Right before hitting the putt, I was nervous to the point where my hands were shaking, but I told myself to just make sure I saved par," said Ji, who only carded 14 birdies during the entire event - the most of any player in the 156-player field. "I know probably a lot of Americans who were here must have rooted for Cristie, but just to hear my country people, countrymen talk, say my name, chant out my name, was a huge boost for me today."

Paired with 2007 U.S. Women's Open champion Cristie Kerr (69-70-72-75), who had the lead by two going into the round, Ji was up-and-down for the first half of the day with birdies on holes six and eight against bogeys on holes two, four and seven. After making the turn, Ji's double bogey nearly put her out of contention.

"Well, up until that point, Cristie Kerr was so far ahead, and I just didn't think anyone was going to be able to catch up with her," said Ji, who is the sixth South Korean to win an LPGA major championship. "But after that double bogey on number 10, I basically cleared my mind, and said, 'Let's go and play out the rest of the round.'"

Topics: Tools of a Champion, Ji, Eun Hee, Marathon Classic