The Immortal Pak Se-ri

Some 10 years ago, a 20-year-old girl began her journey in the unknown.

After participating in the 1997 LPGA Qualifying School and graduating with flying colors, she was on her way toward golfing greatness. Of course, there were numerous obstacles to tackle and overcome along the way, including slumps and injuries. Most of the time, however, she triumphed through challenges with her indomitable will.

At long last, a dream of hers has come true.

In Florida on November 13, Pak Se-ri (30, C.J) became the youngest golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

U.S. golfing greats including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Nancy Lopez, and other legendary international players attended the ceremony.

Pak said, “My dad always told me to aim high, and I kept his words in mind. I feel it was this mentality that led me to this achievement.”

She added, “Everyone in Korea hailed me as a pioneer for Korean golf. It was difficult, and it was a long lonely road. But the thought of setting the standard for future Korean golfing phenoms who would look up to me inspired me to push myself and continue to improve.”

As the latest addition to the 120 hall of famers currently enshrined, she feels that she still has a lot to learn compared with older hall of famers. She intends to treat this honor as yet more motivation to work harder.

Pak earned the right to be inducted into the hall of fame after her 24th career tourney win, the 2004 Michelob Ultra Open. She continued on to win the McDonald’s LPGA Championship this May and fulfilled the criteria for enshrinement by being a 10-year veteran.

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said, “By becoming the first Asian golfer to become a hall of famer, Pak has proved herself to be a trendsetter in today’s golfing world.”

kjs0123@donga.com