Severe Toothache Failed to Slow Down Park Se-ri

Even worst conditions could not pull her down.

Park Se-ri (25) got ahead in the first round of the ADT Championship, the last championship in the US LPGA Tour. With 7 birdies and 2 bogeys, she recorded 5 under, putting herself on top with two other players including Soremstom.

In the first round which took place on Nov. 22nd in the Trump International CC in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, she recorded birdies in the 2nd hole (5 par), the 3rd hole (par 5), and the 6th hole (4 par). In the 7th hole (par 3), she halted a little with a bogey. But she recorded another birdie in the 9th hole (par 5), and started to get ahead with consecutive birdies in the 15th-17th holes, putting her alone at the first place. But in the last hole, her approach shot landed on the bunker. She also missed a putting, allowing others to catch up with her.

Park suffered from the worst condition this day. She has been suffering a severe toothache for 2 weeks, thereby becoming almost unable to eat. On top of that, her right wrist got injured during practice. After the game, she confessed, "For the first time, I thought I could not play golf."

Park, however, would not give up. Aiming at her 6th win, she wrapped up the first round with a good performance, even though she had to swallow lots of painkillers. Her strong spirits and concentration put her through the first round. Especially, she was in the same group with Sorenstom, a lifetime rival, which may have stimulated her in part during the first round.

Once the first round was over, Park said, "I don`t know how I could go on this way. I will just do my best."

In the meanwhile, Park Ji-eun, challenging the championship for the second time, was ranked at 9th with an American player. She got off to an excellent start, getting ahead of all the other golfers. But her T-shot ball fell in the water hazard, leading to two bogeys. Kim Mi-hyun remained at 22nd, and Park Hee-chong at 29th.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com