Oh ready to go at Aust Women’s Open

Even by the whirlwind standards of modern-day women’s professional golf, it’s been quite a fortnight for Australian teen sensation Su Oh.

At the start of the month, she didn’t even have direct entry into the Australian Open, a tournament she has contested every year since turning 12.

Second place on her professional debut at the Vic Open a fortnight ago guaranteed the 18-year-old Oh a start in the national Open.

That was followed by a spectacular victory last weekend at the Australian Ladies Masters, ensuring she would turn up at Royal Melbourne as one of the form players in a tournament co-sanctioned by the US LPGA Tour and featuring six of the world’s top 12.

That list is headed by 17-year-old New Zealand prodigy Lydia Ko, one year Oh’s junior.

“One of the reasons I turned pro was that I got to play in two of the majors last year and this is where I want to play, this is where I want to be, week-in and week-out,” said Oh, who has bounced back strongly from the disappointment of failing to earn her US Tour card at qualifying school late last year – an event won by fellow Australian 18-year-old Minjee Lee.

“I’m testing myself,” added Oh.

“Last week was good and this week is an LPGA event , the course is hard, but I don’t feel intimidated, so that’s a start.”

Having turned pro after completing her VCE studies last year, Oh has yet to decide exactly what her playing schedule will look like in 2015.

She has full status on the Ladies European Tour and the second-tier US tour – while victory at Royal Melbourne on Sunday would come with the added bonus of a full US card.

“It’s been great, but busier than normal,” Oh said of the fallout to her three-stroke victory at Royal Pines.

“But I really enjoy it and I would love to win again.

“So many people ask me ‘how does it feel to be a winner?’ and I say great.

“I really cherish this moment and just look forward to many more.”

Open tournament director Trevor Herden has paired Oh with yet another teen star, Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand, and Australian Katherine Kirk for the opening two rounds – which will guarantee her plenty of exposure without the added pressure of playing with the likes of megastars Karrie Webb or Ko before the weekend at the earliest.

“It’s a stepping stone for Su, still a lot of TV focus,” said Herden.

“Not that she didn’t have it last week, but in this field, on this golf course, I think she sits nicely where she is.”

Oh’s not-so-secret weapon this week will be Mike Clayton, the former Australian professional who takes over caddying and mentoring duties from her father Sg Oh.

“He knows this course better than anyone else,” said Oh.

“I just need to hit it where he tells me to hit it really.

“It will be a great combo and we’ll see what happens.”

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