Se Ri Pak's Tour Diary

As originally written by Se Ri Pak for Joong Ang Ilbo. Translation by LoveGiants

Diary Entry #26: Father's Surprising Present

Though I did not play well at the Du Maurier, father might have held a big banquet in Korea, for my other glorious 4 victories belong to him as well as to me. I heard that a contract for a commercial with Samsung was concluded and in Daejeon, a supporters' association was organized for me. From now on, father would devote himself to fostering future star golfers.

Father gave me a call ten days after he had left for Korea. "Se Ri, I have a great thing to give you. See you in Britain." I was anxious to see his present. He had said that he would prepare some herbal medicine for my health, but the medicine could not be the great gift he was talking about.

Father arrived in Britain the day before the tournament. To my surprise, he had brought my sisters, Yu Ri and Ae Ri, with him. We danced with joy in each other's arms. It had been a year since we had parted. Yu Ri, my elder sister, joked, "I'm tired of having interviews because of you." And Ae Ri said she would like to grow up soon and be able to help me. Ae Ri, the youngest daughter, would tell me fretfully when she was a young teenager that she felt I took all my parents' love. One day, her grumbling made me so angry that I locked the door and gave her a scolding.

In a foreign magazine, our family was once described as 'the golf kingdom'. I feel that the expression is somewhat true, because all my family cooperate in harmony for me. Yu Ri, who has studied to be a make-up artist, acts as a coordinator for me, mother, a dietitian, and father has already made a contract with Samsung for me and has acted as my coach.

After the first round of the British Open, our family was invited to a Korean resident's house. There, we received wonderful hospitality. We had a great time having Korean dishes. This was an absolutely great present for me.
Father had prepared it with the concern that I might feel timid in a strange country. I was able to brace myself again for the tournament thanks to this.

The tournament was held in a typical country town. The weather was very changeable. But the people here looked quiet. For the first few days, few acknowledged me on the course or in the hotel. They seemed to watch me silently. They say, "To be a world-class golfer, one should win a tournament here, the home of golf." Anyway, I felt that I was standing on the starting line again.

Diary Entry #28: Life Has Ups and Downs

I felt a lot of stress during the British Women's Open. I felt like I stepped down the stairs backwards. But anyway, stepping down now is for going up next time. I feel that playing golf is repeating ups and downs.

Before winning the LPGA Championship, I had slumped down. When I finished 1st at LPGA Q-school, I was buoyant with expectations. But, did I become too loose after that? I did not play well in every tournament. Some told me, "You have to be patient till you adapt yourself to new circumstances." But, I myself could not accept this fact.

I participated in 9 tournaments early in 1998. At the Health South inaugural I finished tied for 13th, at the Longs Drugs Challenge, 11th, and at the rest of the tournaments, my record was disappointing. At the Cup Noodles Hawaiian Open, I did not even make the cut.

The press analyzed my record and expressed concern, and Samsung also seemed worried. I was not affected by the press too much, but I was nonetheless uncomfortable. I felt as if I sat on pins and needles.

I recorded a tie for 43rd at the Title Holder's Championship, and 32nd at the Sarah Lee Classic, the event right before the LPGA Championship. Father told me over the phone that Samsung had suggested that I should take a rest for a while in Korea. And he added, "You are young enough to take a break; take your time. How about fishing with me in Korea?"

At that moment, I shed tears. Later I came to know that father had persuaded Samsung to wait a little longer. "Give her a little more time. She just feels homesick. She is only 20 years old. It's natural that she should miss her parents." And Samsung agreed that they would wait until the LPGA Championship.

In fact, I missed my family a lot, especially when I did not play well. I would whine to my sisters over the phone.
I telephoned again and again and I became weaker.

But I never thought that I would return to Korea. So, I again made up my mind not to budge backwards. I thought that the LPGA Championship was the last chance for me.

Fortunately, Samsung waited for me and I returned their confidence. Now I would like to thank the Samsung staff and my fans for believing in me. As they say, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." I always remember the people who have helped me and believed in me when I was in a bad situation. And their love is always the best encouragement for me.