At this point the advantage swung mightily in Han's direction, but anyone watching to this point had already seen Ward make several incredible shots and knew that she had a chance at least. And incredibly enough, she pulled another rabbit out of her hat, sinking the long chip for birdie to the roars of the crowd. And just like that, Hee-Won was put on the spot. She was asked later if she felt pressure, and she replied, laughing, 'It was still just four feet!' And indeed, she again sank the birdie with little fuss. And so the tough 10th hole, which had yielded only 8 birdies all day, amazingly gave up two more in the playoff. This was golf at a very high level indeed.

It had to be fate. The third playoff hole was the scary par 3 17th. This was the hole which Hee-Won had bogeyed and Ward had birdied just an hour earlier. More than any other hole on the course, it was the one responsible for the predicament Hee-Won now found herself in. If she were going to collect win #2, she had to conquer it this time.

Hee-Won made some clutch putts during
the playoff
AP Photo/Jay LaPrete

Hee-Won Han sinks a brilliant 25 foot putt for birdie
on the 3rd playoff hole
Reuters/John Sommers II

Both players hit so so irons, but both gave themselves longish birdie putts. Hee-Won was a little farther out, maybe 25 feet, and went first. From the moment the ball left her putter face, it looked good, but the question was, would it have the steam to reach the hole? As it got closer it slowed down, and with its last roll, it dropped perfectly into the hole. Hee-Won had exacted her revenge on 17 with the timeliest birdie of the day. And now Ward was forced to produce another miracle. Not to be, for though her putt was almost perfect itself, it stopped right on the lip of the hole after just burning the edge. And Hee-Won had her second career LPGA victory.

Hee-Won had been pushed to the edge in her efforts to collect her second win, and played with poise and determination the whole time. In fact, she even had a smile during much of the playoff, despite the intense pressure she was under. She seemed confident and in control for the first time in such a situation. It was impressive to watch. No longer worried about making the key mistake, it seemed as though she was out there playing with joy and confidence. Just like Se Ri Pak or Grace Park do when they are in the hunt. It was no gift, making her an (official) Seoul Sister. She earned it. And she will doubtless make a very welcome addition to the Sisterhood for years to come.