Before the season, sophomore Sun Park had set a year-long even par score as her goal, but now has her sights set on winning the 4A state tournament and shooting below par.

James gregg / arizona daily star 2007

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Cienega sophomore Sun Park came into the golf season hoping to break even.

"My goal was to have even par as my average for the season," Park said.

But her goals have changed heading into the Class 4A state tournament, which begins today at Sundance Golf Course in Buckeye.

Park's goal is to win the individual state title by shooting under par.

Park, who began playing golf four years ago with a family friend, finished fifth at state last season.

Her second goal is to help the 4A Kino Region champion Bobcats finish in the top 10 in the team standings.

"My team in the top 10 and me winning state," she said. "That sounds good, doesn't it?"

Here are five reasons her goals may become reality:

1. She plays well under pressure. Park won the two-day 4A Kino Region tournament by 35 strokes with a 4-under-par 140 at Del Lago Golf Club.

"I was a lot more relaxed at this region tournament than last year's," she said. "I had fun out there and didn't worry so much."

Park won the 2006 Kino tournament by 11 strokes.

2. She wants to win it for her team. "Golf is an individual sport where everyone wants to be better than everyone else," Park said. "But my whole team makes me feel like I am a part of them. The friendships have changed me.

"I want to keep hitting low scores so I can help them. That keeps me going."

3. She is fine-tuning her game. "I am focusing on my putting right now. We figured out that is the most important thing (that will) keep scores low," Park said. "We've been working on bunker shots because that's the other most important thing. I believe that our whole team can get out of a bunker in one."

4. She can succeed on any course. Park owns the best nine-hole score at four local courses, including Silverbell. She shot a Southern Arizona-record 30 on Sept. 18.

"I'm not really picky about the course as long as it's green. Green is a happy color. It makes me excited," she said. "I'm amazed at any golf course that I play on because they're so beautiful."

5. She has a lucky charm. "It's a silver heart necklace that I got for my 16th birthday in September," Park said. "It's recent but since I got it, I've been hitting really well. I think it brought me luck before so I'm relying on it to be lucky at state."