Another Victory: The story of Sarah Oh
IN: News | Australian Ladies Amateur | Ladies NSW State Championship (2005) | Final Round | by Anthony Powter | 27 Jul 2005
In a blistering display of power and discipline, South Korean golfer Sarah Oh has added another top amateur championship to her 2005 collection, recently claiming the NSW State Championship at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. Oh defeated Skye Park from Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club 9 & 8 in the final.
It was a win on the back of some impressive results this year and claiming the NSW State crown cements Oh as one of the most talented amateur female golfers currently playing the Australasian amateur circuit. The victory adds to her 2005 lists of achievements that includes the Australian Amateur Championship, South Pacific Ladies Masters and New South Wales 72 Holes Stroke Play Championship. This doesn't even include the runners-up achievements in the Australian Junior Championships and the MasterCard Australian Junior Masters.
Oh, who currently plays out of Macquarie Links Golf Club in south western Sydney, is clearly in a transitory state of development and as to how long Oh remains on Australian soil is a question that begs the answer - surely it is a matter of time and she, like others before her, will depart our shores to bigger and grandeur events, probably in the US circuit.
Claiming to be only 16, Oh is unable to turn professional until she is 18. Oh also cannot represent Australia in international amateur events. Interim options then appear to be the highly respected American college tour with a scheduled move to the qualifying schools. This however is not guaranteed, but should Oh continue with her current form it should be forgone conclusion.
The alternative is to remain in Australia for the interim and continue to hone her skills on our amateur circuit, but the much needed international exposure then becomes an issue. It is understandable that Oh and her team are eyeing off the overseas attractions, especially the American college golf system - that's the word which is floating around the golfing traps at present.
Recent top female college players in the United States are purported to have stepped up to the professional ranks on the back of tailor made million dollar deals negotiated through management companies and sponsors. They are always on the lookout for young immerging talent, ever keen to snap up fresh and promising talent. Oh appears then to have the goods and is potentially attractive in this regard. She is an imposing figure on the golf course and plays the game with a degree of precision and purpose well past her age - perfect for sponsorship deals.
The Australian amateur scene appears only to be transitory with the Oh camp's objective to make the move to foreign soil and most probably the US. An objective that will see yet another addition to the growing list of South Korean born players who are know having success on the US Ladies Tour.
Oh exhibits a military based style work ethic towards her game. Practice, practice and more practice. Under the watchful eye of her father Ju Oh, Sarah is purported to spend over five hours a day practicing in a regime similar to base camp set up.
Whilst Ju Oh's presence in Australia has been subject to controversy regarding residency status, this has not affected his daughter's approach to golf and achieving the success to date that she has. There is putting practice, chipping practice, followed by nine holes under the watchful eye of her father. After that there is more putting and then up to the driving range for some 100 or more balls - and that's after a day at school. This is a clear dedication of the commitment to a game Oh obviously loves.
Oh's game is impressive and it's well known that making it in the professional ranks requires commitment and a plan that includes a vision and the financial support to achieve definable goals. Oh appears to have these objectives and attributes in place.
Upon turning 18 or on the back of yet another major amateur victory in Australia or internationally, Oh will undoubtedly move to bigger and grander fields - but not without leaving an impression on women's golf in Australia.
