Aree Song Now Learning How to Speak Korean

17-year-old golf sensation Aree Song, now set to become the youngest player in U.S. LPGA, is now visiting Korea, her father`s home country, after getting off to a good start in the first round of qualifying school. She won a full seed after finishing the tournament top.

She was invited as a special guest player for the Korea Women`s Open set to kick off at Asiade CC in Busan on Oct. 4.

The Donga Ilbo had an interview with the Korean Thai who recently became a Korean national.

First we asked her of her nationality. Aree Song was born on May 1 1986 between Korean father Song In-jong and Thai mother Barney Wungluetkiat. Since she moved to the U.S. to play golf with her twin sister Naree, Aree has been using her mother`s surname Wungluekiat. Last year, however, she decided to become a Korean national, and the legal process will be completed by spring next year, when she turns 18 years old.

˝I have been given great support from my father`s country, so I am glad that I can be a Korean player. I had had hard times deciding which nationality to choose, but now I will be able to concentrate on playing golf.˝

Thailand may well get disappointed with Aree`s decision. So, she played in the World Amateur Women`s Golf Championship held in Thailand in October last year, and won the title for her mother`s country. It was like Aree`s farewell present for Thai fans.

˝My goal is to learn to speak Korean well. I like Korean food a lot. Bulgogi and Altang are my favorites. I am going to get some cold noodle after doing exercise today.˝

Having been the top-ranked amateur for more than two years, she got the go-ahead from the U.S. LPGA commissioner last year, winning a chance to become a professional. She decided not to go to college since she has an ambitious goal of becoming the top golfer. Her twin sister Naree, however, went to Florida University last month, choosing schoolwork over golf.

Her plan is to pass the final round of the qualifying school next month and grab the new player of the year title next year. She wishes to leave her name at the Hall of Fame eventually.

The Korea Women`s Open will mark Aree`s professional debut. ˝I want to win. I feel confident of winning high scores since I have been doing well for the last few months,˝ said Song.

She said that she would treat her sister to nice dinner if she wins her first cash prize. Song will spend Chuseok Holidays at her aunt`s. It has been 12 years since she visited her cousins in Korea when she was 5. It will be her first Chuseok vacation as a Korean.

˝I heard that there are many old people living alone out there. I want to hold a charity golf event to help those lonely old people.˝ Song seems to be warm and kind as well as talented.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com