3 Reasons Inbee Park could hit a Grand Slam at the 2013 Women’s Open
As Inbee Park sets her sights on a historic Grand Slam in Scotland this weekend we’ve identified three factors we think set her apart and make this incredible dream scenario a possible reality for the South Korean.
1. Inbee Park plays consistently instead of stressing consistently
One of the major themes that pops-up when anyone associated with the LPGA discusses Park, and her success, is the golfer’s calm and easy-going nature. It has been continually noted that she doesn’t seem to crumble under the weight of her achievements, treating every shot the same regardless of the outcome. To look at her during crucial moments, even as she was on the cusp of winning the U.S. Open this year, her demeanor never changes. She continues to stay focused but also genuinely looks to be enjoying herself.
“At first I felt the pressure, but as the time goes by, the more experience I get, I really started to get used to it, and once I get on the golf course I don't really think about it so much,” said Park in her pre-tournament press conference this week.
After her win at Sebonak in June, putting guru Dave Stockton spoke to Golf Digest about Park’s uncanny ability to stay calm and collected in the most high-pressured situations. “What I love that I see is her total lack of being affected by where she stands. She's very calm, very composed and it serves her well. The rhythm with her stroke and throughout the whole swing, most of the time in a U.S. Open you see others losing that. But she's withstood it really, really well.”
While the 25-year-old may still be getting used to her newfound fame, as long as she can continue to keep herself in check when she steps on the course, a Grand Slam and beyond are in the definite realm of possibilities.
2. Inbee Park’s putting makes all the other girls cry...
During all three of the majors Park has won so far this season, one aspect of her game has remained completely stellar- her putting. The consistency and accuracy of her short game might look easy but it is something that is very difficult to replicate and the ease at which she is performing is quite extraordinary.
Park’s own caddie was amazed with her short game performance at the U.S. Open. “She's holed a lot of putts, but really clutch putts especially,” said Brad Beecher after her win at Sebonak. “Her eye for it and her feel for it is the best I've seen her.”
In an article for PGA.com, teaching professional Suzy Whaley writes, “The key to Inbee’s stroke is the total lack of tension in her arms and shoulders. If you were to walk up and grab her putter at address you could pull it out of her hands because of how loosely she holds it.” This “lack of tension” is responsible for the South Korean’s steadiness on the greens and enables her to produce consistent putts time and time again.
If she can continue this reliable and strong putting strategy on the Old Course at St. Andrew’s this weekend, victory might, dare we say it, be a sure thing!
3. Inbee Park has more positive thoughts than a weekend Yoga retreat
We’ve delved into her calmness and cool demeanor during tournament play and examined the undeniable gift she has for putting but there’s something else that sets Park apart from her peers. A refreshingly positive outlook on her situation and a peaceful perspective on what could be a life altering win this weekend.
“At the U.S. Open I tried not to put pressure on myself. I kept thinking, ‘You know, it’s okay if you don’t win’. I’d already won five times and thought, ‘Just wanting more is wanting too much’. I thought, ‘There’s no expectations, go out there and just have fun’. That really worked, so it’s something I’m also trying to do this week,” said Park.
It is evident that the young player is in a good place in both her professional and personal life at the minute. Her fiancé accompanies her on Tour and is also her swing coach. Perhaps this is what provides the immense sense of balance and humility exuded by Park.
“It's funny, you always see her and her fiancé when they are traveling. They are always holding hands walking in the airport, and they are very cute together. You can tell she's very happy in her life, very happy in her personal life and obviously very happy with where her golf game is,” says fellow golfer Stacey Lewis. “When things are going well off the course, it makes playing a lot easier, so you can just tell she's happy, and I think more than anything, that's what's showing in her game.”
Whatever the outcome on Sunday, Park’s achievements this season have already secured her place in golfing history. However, if she is successful in her bid to win at St. Andrew’s her status will surely rocket to superstardom, as she will become the first golfer, male or female, to win four majors in a single season.
