Born: 1977 (Daejeon, South Korea)
Biography:
Se Ri Pak, born on September 28, 1977, in Daejeon, South Korea, is a former professional golfer who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. From 1998 to 2016, Pak played on the LPGA Tour, becoming one of South Korea’s most successful golfers and leaving an indelible mark on women’s golf. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport.
Pak’s golf journey began early on in her life. She attended Yuseong Elementary School in Daejeon and later enrolled in Keumseong Girls’ High School in Gongju City, Chungnam Province. During her time at Keumseong, Pak showcased exceptional talent as an amateur golfer, establishing herself as the school’s best. Recognizing her potential, she relocated to Seoul for further training, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the sport.
In 1996, at the age of 19, Pak turned professional, a year before making the pivotal decision to move to the United States. Leaving behind her home country, she embarked on a new chapter in her life as a 20-year-old faced with the challenges of adapting to a different culture and competing on the international stage. This bold move demonstrated Pak’s determination to excel in her chosen career.
Pak’s breakthrough came in 1998 when she joined the LPGA Tour full-time. In her rookie season, she stunned the golfing world by winning two major championships: the McDonald’s LPGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. Remarkably, at just 20 years old, Pak became the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Women’s Open. Her victory in the U.S. Women’s Open was particularly memorable, as she triumphed in a grueling 20-hole playoff, making it the longest tournament in women’s professional golf history at that time.
Only four days after her U.S. Women’s Open win, Pak etched her name in the record books once again by shooting a then-LPGA record 61 during the second round of the Jamie Farr Kroger Classic. Her exceptional play and remarkable achievements earned her the Rolex Rookie of the Year award for the 1998 season, cementing her status as a rising star in the golfing world.
Continuing her success, Pak went on to win 21 more events on the LPGA Tour, including three additional majors. Her unwavering dedication to the sport and her consistent performance elevated her to become one of the most dominant players in women’s golf during her era.
In June 2007, at the age of 29, Pak received one of the highest honors in the world of golf: induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Surpassing Karrie Webb, she became the youngest living entrant at that time. This recognition not only celebrated her outstanding achievements but also acknowledged the impact she had on the sport and the inspiration she provided to future generations of golfers.
Pak’s influence extended beyond her accomplishments on the golf course. In 2003, she made history by competing in a professional men’s event, the SBS Super Tournament on the Korean Tour. While the Korean Tour did not offer world ranking points, Pak’s performance was significant. She finished 10th in the tournament, becoming the first woman since Babe Zaharias in 1945 to make the cut in a professional men’s tournament. Her participation in this event demonstrated her trailblazing spirit and her willingness to challenge traditional gender boundaries in the world of golf.
Despite her many achievements, Pak faced her own personal and professional struggles. In 2005, at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship, she missed the cut for the first time in 29 major tournaments. In an interview, she revealed her unhappiness with her game and the pressure she put on herself. However, it was later discovered that she had been playing with a finger injury, shedding light on the physical toll professional golf can take on athletes.
Se Ri Pak’s career was a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. She not only broke barriers and shattered records but also inspired a generation of South Korean golfers to pursue their dreams. Her impact on women’s golf in her home country and around the world cannot be overstated. Pak’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of women’s golf history, leaving an enduring mark on the sport.
Awards:
– Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007.