Star Korean Golfers Pursuing Higher Education

Star Korean golfers Y.E. Yang, 37, and Kim In-kyung, 21, are preparing to enter college in Korea.

Yang finished in the top 10 at both the Canada Open (eighth) and the Buick Open (fifth) after clinching his first win at the Honda Classic in March. Yang is ranked 22nd in prize money with 1,787,491 U.S. dollars and leads that category among Korean golfers.

Kim finished second at the LPGA State Farm Classic in June and made the top 10 in seven times tournaments this year. She is third in prize money with 1,062,286 dollars.

The two recently applied to Korea University in Seoul as applicants with special athletic abilities to belatedly fulfill their dream of entering college. Yang graduated high school in 1990.

A Korea University source said, “They are qualified for admission because they are contributing to raising the country’s reputation.”

Though making a name for themselves as pro golfers, Yang and Kim want to pursue studies. Once a waiter at a nightclub, Yang had to give up college due to financial difficulties.

Yang, who will compete at the Bridgestone Invitational this week, said, “I’ve agonized over the decision to enter college. I thought it’s better late than never.”

Kim lost an opportunity to enter college after going to the United States while attending Hanyoung Foreign Language High School in Seoul. She is the same age as stars Shin Ji-yai and Kim Song-hee, who entered Yonsei University in 2007.

Kim is said to have learned English through self-study. She used to wake up early in the morning to study.

Roh Seung-ryul, 19, who won the Korea Amateur Golf Championship at age 14, has also applied to Korea University.

The school will promote its golf department by admitting promising golfers.

kjs0123@donga.com