A Vale Sweeter Than Victory

“I’m glad I’m giving my parents a nice present for Parents’ Day. And I hope that even better days will come after my marriage.”

Kim Mi-hyun (KTF) got on a plane with her mother Wang Seon-haeng right after winning the tourney without even making time for the after-party. She had no time to lose because she was scheduled to play in the 2007 Michelob Ultra Open starting May 11. Meanwhile her father Kim Jeong-gil was driving from his house in Orlando, Florida to Williamsburg, Florida, the venue for the open. The distance is 800 miles between the two places, which is an 18-hour drive.

Perhaps that is why Kim Mi-hyun attributed her victory to her parents, who made a lot of sacrifices for her, during the winner’s interview.

In January this year, she said, “Golf, I can play alone. But marriage, I cannot. My ideal type of person is someone who will understand me, and is tall.”

After losing three straight events in the U.S. she now has won two straight. “I was at ease because I was playing with Juli Inkster, a player whom I admire, and I was also lucky.”

Kim Mi-hyun, who nearly blew up the victory with a bogey on the 18th hole, said, “I was leading by only one shot, and the second shot fell into the bunker. I was shouting ‘No!’ without knowing what position on the leaderboard I was in. I hit a good bunker shot, but when my meter par putt went the wrong way, all I could do was laugh.”

She has kept up a good pace in the seven events she has played in this year. She says, “My swing got simpler thanks to my new coach Brian Mogg over the winter. When I return, I’ll cook him dinner and give him a gift.” She added, “Now, there are more players who play with smaller drivers.”

Last year, Kim Mi-hyun ranked 141st with an average driver distance of 241.7 yards, but this season she has climbed to 122nd with an average distance of 240.1 yards.

kjs0123@donga.com