U.S. Amateur Golf Squad Mostly Korean

They can be taken for Korean players, given their appearance. Two of the three U.S. players in women’s competition for the 2006 World Amateur Team Golf Championships held in Stellenbosch, South Africa on October 18 are Korean Americans.

Kimberly Kim (15) was born to a Korean father and a Hawaiian mother. Another player, Jenny Lee (20, Korean name Lee Young-min), was born in Seoul, and her family emigrated to the U.S. when she was six.

They are so talented that they were chosen to take part in this amateur team championship, also known as the “Golf Olympics” as U.S. representatives.

Kim was also named the youngest champion in the prestigious 106th US Amateur Championships in August. Lee, a sophomore at Duke University, won many junior golf championships.

The key to success is their meticulousness and hardworking attitude, which are Korean characteristics, as well as paternal guidance from a very young age.

Kim said that she would be excited to tee off in Korean championships in the near future. Lee befriended younger Korean players in clubhouses and fields. The two players said, “People in the U.S. wonder why Korean female golfers are so good. We will strive to be the world’s best.”

kjs0123@donga.com