SE RI PAK QUESTIONS WIDSOM OF INBEE PARK'S RETURN TO S KOREA
FROM THE GOLF CHANNEL WEBSITE
By WILL GRAY
By WILL GRAY
With Inbee Park
set to continue her quest for the single-season Grand Slam next week at St Andews, few players can truly understand the pressures currently
facing the 25-year-old South Korean (pictured after one of her successes this season).
One of that select group, though, is Park's fellow countrywoman and World Golf Hall of Fame member Se Ri Pak.
Pak, who became a pioneer for women's golf in South Korea when she broke through to win both the LPGA Championship and U.S. Women's Open during her 1998 rookie season, continues to serve as a mentor for players from her home country while still remaining active on the LPGA Tour.
In a phone interview Tuesday with "Morning Drive," the 35-year-old was quick to endorse Park's chances of claiming her fourth consecutive major title at the Ricoh Women's British Open over the Old Course next week.
"Definitely, she has a great chance," explained Pak, who won the Women's British Open in 2001 and tied for fifth when the event last visited St Andrews in 2007.
"Her game, you can see, it's just so simple, great tempo and great short game. There's no doubt she'll be near the top of the leaderboard, no question about it."
While Pak remains high on Park's chances next week in Scotland, the 25-time LPGA Tour winner did question one of her preparation decisions.
With no LPGA event this week, Park has opted to return to South Korea for a visit before heading to Europe for the season's fourth major.
"The funny thing is, we talked about it. I know it's not going to be easy," said Pak, adding that it was a topic of discussion when the two were paired together this past weekend at the LPGA's Marathon Classic.
"It's pretty hard because you're under a lot of pressure right now, and everybody wants you there and the season's still going on.
"I was there many times, and it's pretty hard to make everybody happy," Pak added. "I know how she feels."
One of that select group, though, is Park's fellow countrywoman and World Golf Hall of Fame member Se Ri Pak.
Pak, who became a pioneer for women's golf in South Korea when she broke through to win both the LPGA Championship and U.S. Women's Open during her 1998 rookie season, continues to serve as a mentor for players from her home country while still remaining active on the LPGA Tour.
In a phone interview Tuesday with "Morning Drive," the 35-year-old was quick to endorse Park's chances of claiming her fourth consecutive major title at the Ricoh Women's British Open over the Old Course next week.
"Definitely, she has a great chance," explained Pak, who won the Women's British Open in 2001 and tied for fifth when the event last visited St Andrews in 2007.
"Her game, you can see, it's just so simple, great tempo and great short game. There's no doubt she'll be near the top of the leaderboard, no question about it."
While Pak remains high on Park's chances next week in Scotland, the 25-time LPGA Tour winner did question one of her preparation decisions.
With no LPGA event this week, Park has opted to return to South Korea for a visit before heading to Europe for the season's fourth major.
"The funny thing is, we talked about it. I know it's not going to be easy," said Pak, adding that it was a topic of discussion when the two were paired together this past weekend at the LPGA's Marathon Classic.
"It's pretty hard because you're under a lot of pressure right now, and everybody wants you there and the season's still going on.
"I was there many times, and it's pretty hard to make everybody happy," Pak added. "I know how she feels."
Labels: Pro Ladies
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | 4:40:00 pm
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