Ji a Whiz to Win 2009 US Women's Open

A couple weeks ago Eun-Hee Ji arrived at the Wegmans LPGA as the defending champion. Her 2008 win in that event was still her only LPGA victory. She talked of how much she wanted to defend the crown and claim that second win, that second win that would prove the first wasn't just a fluke.

And then she went out and shot an 80 in the first round.

But that's OK now. Because Ji now has her second win, and it's a whole lot better than another Wegmans. It's the 2009 U.S. Women's Open title.

Ji made a series of great swings and some great putts on the back nine on Sunday, including the trophy winner on the final hole - a curving 20-footer for birdie. It was a difficult putt, one it's unlikely many fans or viewers thought she would make. Certainly Candie Kung, practicing her putting in expectation of a playoff, appeared surprised that Ji's ball found the cup.

But it did, and Ji had win No. 2. Ji finished at even-par, one stroke ahead of Kung and two better than In-Kyung Kim and Cristie Kerr.

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open will be remembered for two things: Ji's great birdie putt on the 72nd hole to win; and Kerr's inability to close the deal.

Kerr looked so in command in the third round, which she finished with a two-stroke lead, and her pursuers were all so young and without Kerr's major championship pedigree, that Sunday appeared to shape up more as a formality. But that's why they play the game, eh?

It's the second time in 2009 that Kerr appeared to have a major championship in her grasp, only to let it get away. She also lost the lead late at the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Final Leaders
Eun Hee Ji, 284
Candie Kung, 285
In-Kyung Kim, 286
Cristie Kerr, 286
Brittany Lincicome, 287
Full Scores