Go to contents

Father of LPGA Star Shin Releases Book on Daughter

Posted March. 10, 2010 04:43,   

한국어

The father of LPGA rising star Shin Ji-yai is a typical golf daddy.

The 50-year-old Shin Jae-seop has cultivated his daughter, 20, to a leading pro golfer despite his economic difficulty. He introduced her to the sport when she was a fifth grader.

The golfer always says, “I cannot think of what I am today without my father,” and received a rare gift from him.

He published the book “Final Queen Shin Ji-yai: Taking Off With Golf.” It contains an account of Shin Ji-yai’s life as a pro golfer, her training process, and family stories including the death of her mother in a traffic accident.

In a news briefing at the Sejong Center in downtown Seoul yesterday, Shin Ji-yai said, “This book is about me but I’ll read it repeatedly since it will allow me to recall my difficult times and guide me in the right direction whenever I become negligent.”

The golfer will break a long-standing practice by standing on her own feet this season and competing at overseas tournaments with her caddie instead of her father. “I came to think more deeply and thoroughly because I’ve made choices by myself,” she said.

Following the opener of this year’s LPGA season, Shin Ji-yai is ranked 22nd and has finished third in two competitions. Some say Ai Miyazato of Japan, who swept the two tournaments, has emerged as her rival.

Yet a confident Shin Ji-yai said, “I just haven’t seen the best timing for a win so far. You know, I played better than Miyazato last year as well. Wait a bit longer, and I’ll give you good news.”

She has high expectations for this season because she tends to perform better after summer, and underwent winter training centered on her weight.

Shin Ji-yai also said she will improve her short game in her hometown of Gwangju, where she spent a difficult childhood. She will depart for the U.S. March 18 to play in the Kia Classic that will start March 25.

Her father gave advice to parents whose children are pro golfers, saying, “The father should become a professional. You must have trust in your child. Your child needs systematic training.”

Shin Jae-seop also announced his business plan, including the registration of FQ (after her daughter’s nickname of “Final Queen”) as a trademark and the preparation of golf ball production.



kjs0123@donga.com