Energized by this, Se Ri hit a perfect drive on 18 and followed it up with a laserlike 9 iron that perfectly played the roll on the green to within 3 feet of the hole. Another birdie and a 23 under par finishing score. Grace was not able to make birdie on 17, so she had only one chance: to hole her second shot from the fairway to force a playoff. Miraculously, she nearly did it! But luckily for Se Ri, Grace's approach landed a foot short, then rolled back a couple feet with spin.

Se Ri came into the final round trailing the acknowledged number one player in the world by three shots. She had to contend with the former number one player and a player who may one day soon herself be number one. And despite the intense competition, despite the challenges on the course, despite a par save situation that would have tested the heartiest of superstars, Se Ri came through with flying colors. She proved again she is a champion in every sense of the word.

Time will tell if one day, this tournament will be viewed as a turning point in the world order of golf, much as the 2001 edition proved to be. But regardless of that, Se Ri has made a statement to the world: forget me at your peril. I am here to play, I have the skill to be number one, and I want it. Should be a very interesting 2003 indeed!

Se Ri with her 19th career LPGA trophy
Reuters/Jeff Topping