Se Ri Pak Retires After First Round of LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship
South Korea’s Se Ri Pak has been given a hero’s homecoming/farewell at the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship today. Retiring from the LPGA Tour after an incredible 18 years.
The five-time major winner was overcome with emotion throughout the first round of play. Struggling with a shoulder injury the 39-year-old was determined to finish her career at home. While Pak might have finished the day with an 8-over-80 it did little to sway the crowd of people gathered to honour one of the game’s biggest names. With a special farewell ceremony taking place right on the 18th green.
“When I reached the 18th, I was on the tee box, and I felt like I couldn’t make the shot,” Pak said afterwards. “I think I cried all throughout the 18th hole. Actually there was flood of emotions that I really didn’t expect to feel. I didn’t expect myself to feel this way.”
The Hall of Famer added, “From the fairway of the 18th hole and the green I could see the gallery and the fans and there was just a lot of love and support. I think it was one of the best moments. I’ve had a lot of the victories in my career, and I have to say it was one of the best, happiest moments of my career.”
Since her rookie year in 1998 Pak has won 25 LPGA titles, including 5 majors. In 2007 she was the youngest-ever player inducted into the Hall of Fame. Her success in professional golf inspired a nation of girls to take up the game. Today 12 of the top 24 Rolex Ranked players are Korean.
When asked about the phenomenon of young girls she had inspired who are now successful pros Pak said,
“I hope the so-called Se Ri Kids continue on and inspire other younger kids to continue to lead Korean golf and act as a trigger to further develop Korean golf. I think one of my biggest dreams at this point is for the next generation of players to continue to do well and continue to develop Korean golf.”
