Lots to Learn From Pak Se-ri

“Queen of Golf” Pak Se-ri (26, CJ) and “Prodigy of Golf,” Michelle Wie (14), met together happily in Korea.

At the Cheju Club Nine Bridge (par 72) on October 29, just two days before the start of the LPGA tour, CJ Nine Bridge Classic (total award $12.5 million), the current champion, Pak Se-ri, and Michelle Wie, who was specially invited to participate as an amateur, made a polite bow to each other at the club house before the formal practice round.

Because of the lack of time, they did not have much time together, but they are already very close.

On the U.S. tour at the Jamie Par Kroger Classic, in August, 2003, they played a practice round together in the same group. Michelle Wie asked for Pak to play the rounds together because she looks up to Pak Se-ri so much and yearned to be in the same group. Pak pleasantly accepted Wie’s request.

In addition, they have the same zodiac sign, with a 12-year gap between them. This season, they also have both competed with male golfers. These acts of providence have further strengthened their relationship.

“I can not believe she is only 14 years old. Good swing and tremendous distance. There is a great possibility for her to be a star golfer,” remarked Pak Se-ri, further advising that, “Taking part in many adult matches would be good experience for her. But, there could also be side effects so she has got to be careful.” This might be Pak Se-ri’s careful concern about Michelle Wie, who is now receiving excessive attention; that the girl could get hurt.

As to Michelle Wie, Pak Se-ri is her idol. “Pak Se-ri is really kind to me. There are a lot of things to learn. Like Se-ri, who has played well against male golfers, I also want to cross over the cutoff,” said Michelle, really appreciative of Pak’s advice.

Saying that she could take in many things from Pak’s shots in the practicing rounds of Jamie Par Kroger Classic, Michelle Wie touched on, “I really envied her iron shot that seemed to stick to the holes. Her theory of capturing the short games and the greens was very helpful.”

Pak Se-ri lolled out her tongue, struck with admiration of Wie’s tee power. Michelle Wie set forth her hope to be just like Seri Pak. Now, their competition will begin.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com