One year on, Park aims to learn U.S. Open lesson

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - For the second year in a row, Brazil's Angela Park took charge at the midway point in the U.S. Women's Open but this time she hopes for a different outcome.

Twelve months ago, Park led by two shots after two rounds at Pine Needles before having to settle for a share of second place, two behind triumphant American Cristie Kerr.

Helped by a 30-foot eagle putt at the par-five second, the 19-year-old edged one ahead of the chasing pack in Friday's second round at Interlachen Country Club with a six-under total of 140.

Although she knows the real battle for the third women's major of the season will unfold over the weekend, she believes she learned an important lesson at last year's U.S. Open.

"I think I would take a lot more patience and a lot more knowing where not to miss the greens or where to hit my ball, to just be patient and just be focused out there," Park told reporters.

"Having a good finish last year gives me that reminder that I can do well. But I keep reminding myself that there are a lot more holes to be played and anything can happen in one hole."

The 2007 LPGA rookie of the year and with one of the best swings on tour, Park would dearly love to clinch her maiden title this week.

"This is a tournament where I really want to do well," she said after delivering a masterful putting performance on Interlachen's tricky greens.

"Coming here knowing it's the most prestigious event in women's golf gives me a lot of confidence and makes me want to focus a little more than regular events. I think that's what makes me play well.

"I came out today telling myself that I could go low because the greens were a little softer," she added, after totaling 28 putts in the second round.

"And that's what I did. I made a lot of good putts out there, I was really calm and really having a lot of fun. That was the key, I think."

(Editing by Alastair Himmer)