Kerrie Webb`s Grand Slam Filled with Tears

Kerri Webb (Australia), who achieved the world`s youngest grand slam (winning all four major championships), shed tears as soon as she became aware of the victory.

Webb`s eye lids already turned reddish although she was left with a par putt in the 18th hole at the McDonald`s LPGA Championship which was held at the DuPont Country Club (par 71) in Wilmington, Delaware. All who watched Webb`s weeping thought that she dropped tears for the joy of victory. It was an unusual scene because Webb has always shown a dignified attitude.

But it was revealed in the interview after finishing the game that her tears were not just `tears of joy`. She shed tears because of the precious memory on her grandfather who is hanging between life and death.

Webb heard the message in which her maternal grandfather Mick Collinson fell down with a brain stroke on Thursday evening after she finished the first round. Her grandfather had led her to the `way of golf` buying her a golf club when she was 4 years old.

As soon as Webb her the urgent message informing her grandfather`s critical condition on Saturday evening, Webb decided to go back to her country withdrawing from the fourth round. She thought that she could achieve the grand slam next year but should not miss her grandfather`s last moment.

But Webb played the fourth round with tears in her eyes because of her grandmother`s phone call persuaded her not to abandon the tournament. Webb made a pledge to dedicate her grand slam to her grandfather before he died.

Webb`s victory was actually decided when she caught the three consecutive birdies from the second hole, leading the followers by six strokes.

Webb achieved the career grand slam at the age of 26 years and 7 months old, breaking the youngest grand slam record (27 years old) established by Mickey Wright (US) in 1962.

This victory was for her the most meaningful moment which is incomparable to the record of the youngest grand slammer and the prize money of $225,000.

Ahn Young-Sik ysahn@donga.com