Banner Year for Korean Women Golfers

No wonder the LPGA tour this season was called a “Korean Party.” The Korean golfers on the tour notched a record high 11 wins, showing off their capability in every competition they took part in. The leader boards this year always included familiar Korean family names such as Kim, Lee and Park.

An imaginary conversation between the key players--leading star Pak Se-ri (Age 29, CJ), Kim Mi-hyun (Age 29, KTF), Han Hee-won (Age28, Fila Korea) and the pretty-faced Hong Jin-ju (SK) who will be making her debut in the LPGA tour next year—might go like this:

Pak Se-ri: There are only a couple of more days left to this year. The past year has really been unforgettable. Winning a major tournament, the McDonald’s LPGA Championship in June, after a long drought was what I remember the most. It helped me to mature and I feel it has opened up the second chapter of my life.

Kim Mi-hyun: I feel the same as Se-ri. I still get excited when I think of the moment when I won the Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open, my first win in 3 years and 9 months. It was a bit disappointing having to be satisfied with two wins, even though I took part in many competitions in order to win more than two, something I have not been able to do after coming to the United States.

Han Hee-won: I don’t think anyone could possibly have had a more memorable year than me. I got my first win of the season at the Corning Classic after a play off with Lee Mee-na and then got my second win in Thailand. Not to mention that I got pregnant, something that I had long waited for. Everything has worked out great.

Hong Jin-ju: I don’t think it can get much better than this. I had my first win in a Korean professional tournament, and then was able to earn my ticket to debut in the United States next year by winning the American LPGA tour Kolon-Hana Bank Championship. It really was the best. I also got a lot of fans. I’m not sure if I will ever be able to have another year like this one.

Han: I think that the reason Korean players have had such good results is because they train hard. With so many up-and-coming players, we have no choice but to train harder.

Hong: I think that Korean people are well suited for golf. They are very competitive and have unyielding spirit, so once they set their minds to it they cling to golf like bugs that live for training. Our physical condition is becoming better and better as well.

Pak: That’s right. I think that Korean players will have even better results next year than they did this year. We have improved enormously. I think it will be possible to record about 14 wins, 3 more wins than this season.

Kim: Although Hee-won, who is a sure win, won’t be there, I think we will easily have more than 10 wins.

Han: Many young players are making their debuts, and with Se-ri and Mi-hyun recovered from their slumps, it is a sure fact that there will be more wins.

Pak: Have you made your winter training plans? I’m going to concentrate on improving my muscular strength and flexibility through weight training in Orlando.

Hong: I’m stopping by in Thailand and then going to the States. I plan to concentrate on improving my backswing posture. I also have to study English. I could use a lot of advice from my seniors, please help me out.

Han: I’m pregnant but I still plan on exercising while watching my body condition. I plan to focus on my short game.

Kim: I think I’m ready for marriage. Maybe my prince will show up next year.

All players: Next year is known as the “year of the golden pig” Let’s all go for it. Korean Women’s Golf fighting!