South Koreans Are 'Queens of the Greens'

IF THERE'S ANY DOUBT THAT SOUTH KOREANS dominate women's golf, just check the world rankings.

South Korean Inbee Park, who has won seven majors since 2008, is ranked No. 2 behind top-ranked Lydia Ko. Americans Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson hold down the third and fourth spots. Beyond that, it's mostly South Koreans.

Hyo-Joo Kim is ranked ninth
in the world.

In fact, when it comes to the world rankings, there are six South Koreans in the top 10, 12 in the top 25, and 38 in the top 100. Another fact: Koreans have won 14 of 30 LPGA tournaments this season.

People wonder why.

AFP addressed the topic in "Queens of the greens - how South Koreans rule women's golf," which published today in the Bangkok Post.

More considered opinions cite a combination of cultural forces: a strong work ethic, driven parental support and a grinding education system that encourages the sort of repetitive, focused effort that suits the quest for golfing perfection. 

But Korean LPGA executive vice chairman Kang Choon-Ja believes the real answer lies in a top-quality domestic tour, which allows players to begin their international careers almost fully formed. 

The prominence of South Korean women on the world stage is down to "the continued emergence of star players... through an extremely competitive domestic tour structure that gives them experience of top-class tournament play," Kang told AFP.

U.S. Solheim Cup captain Juli Inkster was quoted as saying, "Their work ethic, fundamentals, techniques are amazing, What I love about Korea is the way the people, the players, they have so much respect for women's golf."

The competition in South Korea is called "absolutely cut-throat" and the hours, physical conditioning and practice devoted to the sport would surely cause Ben Hogan to nod his head in admiration were he still alive.

(H/T Bernard Daily)