[Golf] Shin Looking to Take Samsung Championship

Shin Ji-yai, the leading Korean female golfer, is competing in the Samsung World Championship at Half Moon Bay near San Francisco.

Only about 20 golfers are playing, or a seventh of those who compete in a championship. Thanks to her win at the British Women’s Open in August, Shin was invited to the Samsung tournament, her first competition since her win.

“They were still petting me on the back. I just said thank you to (Lorena) Ochoa and (Karrie) Webb for that. But I can’t show off. I have to move on, right?” Shin said.

Last week, Shin became the first in Korea to win two majors in a season then promptly left for the United States.

Over the past month, she was runner-up twice in Japan and won one title in Korea. Nonetheless, Shin was on her guard, checking every corner of the venue in anticipation of facing globally renowned players.

“The rough area is tough. The grass is not familiar, either. Moreover, I have to consider the strong seaside wind. I can’t let my fans down,” Shin said.

Eight Korean golfers, along with Korean Brazilian Angela Park, are competing at the Samsung championship, comprising half of the players. By looking at the photos on the placards hung at the entrance of the golf course, one might think the competition was a Korean domestic competition.

kjs0123@donga.com