Creamer finishes as top American at U.S. Open

• By Randall Mell
• Jul 8, 2012 8:44 PM ET

KOHLER, Wis. – Paula Creamer came away as the top American Sunday at the U.S. Women’s Open.

She’s the last winner of a championship the Americans are struggling more and more to win.

With a closing 74, Creamer tied for sixth with Cristie Kerr (T-9) and Nicole Castrale (T-9), the next highest Americans. Creamer won the U.S. Women's Open in 2010.

South Koreans have won four of the last five U.S. Women’s Opens. Not only did South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi win Sunday, but fellow countrywoman Amy Yang finished second. Last year, So Yeon Ryu beat Hee Kyung Seo in an all South Korean playoff.

Creamer was asked why South Koreans are so dominant.

“There are a lot of Korean girls, so, obviously, we're going against numbers, in a sense,” Creamer said. “But I think the Americans, we're always playing well. It's tough. Obviously, it's our national championship, and you want an American there, and you want red, white and blue, but at the same time, they're elevating the game, just as much as we are.

“It’s becoming a global sport and what not. At the same time, we still have to give back to our junior golf programs. I think it shows a lot with what Korea does, just as a country, and their juniors.  First Tee is a good way for us to have that, but you just have to look at the junior golf. That's the future of golf, and if we don't put our efforts towards that, then who knows.”