Korean Fathers Exerting too much Influence on their Golfer Kids

“Is it a malicious stigmatization or the truth?”

Too devoted fathers of active Korean LPGA golfers became an issue for controversy.

Quoting an article of the US golf magazine “Golfworld,” the Associated Press reported that, “American golfers of USLPGA tour convened a meeting, insisting that Korean fathers are committing all sorts of irregularities in order to help their golfer daughters win.”

It is said that American golfers are claiming that, “not only are some fathers secretly moving the golf balls that fell in the woods to a better location, they even instruct on what clubs to use through hand signals or inform the players of the putting line from outside the green, and even give out instructions on how to approach the course.”

LPGA Tour Commissioner Ty Votaw commented that, “although there are rumors, there is no clear evidence that rules are violated (by the parents of Korean golfers).”

In fact, there were not any cases where Korean fathers were charged with penalty strokes or were disqualified. Therefore, there are views that regard this incident as an entrapment, fueled by American players` envy and jealousy, for the fact that there are currently approximately 20 Korean golfers and that they are doing well in nearly all games.

However, as the issue was publicly raised by American golfers, it is expected that it will not subsidy easily. Should American players choose extreme measures, so as to isolate Korean players or prohibiting the Korean parents from watching the games, the repercussion could be immense.

Golf is a very sensitive sport, of which the results could even be influenced by the partners of the team. Quarrels within the team could be detrimental.

It is therefore certain that this incident will have negative influence on Korean golfers in one way or the other.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com