Golf team coach Pak Se-ri confident of competing at Rio Olympics

Pak Se-ri, coach of Korean golf team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, aims for the top, but is cautious not to pressure the players.

At a press conference held Wednesday at KEB Hana Bank in central Seoul, Pak said, "Our best scenario is to return home with all gold, silver and bronze medals." Team Korea has world top 10 ranking players including Park In-bi (3rd), Kim Se-young (5th), Yang Hee-young (7th) and Jeon In-ji (9th). Pak thinks that despite lack of time to adjust to local conditions, these players have skills and experience that will enable them to grab medals. "I'm cautious not to burden them emotionally. My role is to offer them the mind of stability," Pak said. "I will send encouragement to the results that are made based on utmost efforts."

Pak is certain that the players are in good condition. On Park In-bi who is recovering from finger injury, coach Pak said, "She will arrive in Rio on August 12, earlier than others. This means she is more willing than ever."

"The golf course is a links course located near the coast. I heard that strong winds blow in August. I'm sure that our players are experienced enough to overcome this," Pak said. "I'm concerned about instability factors such as the Zika virus and public security. The Korean Golf Association rented a safe townhouse nearby the Rio golf course. I'm sure the players can concentrate on the game."

김종석기자 kjs0123@donga.com