Se Ri Pak's Tour Diary

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

Diary Entry #7: About My Autograph

After the 3rd round of the JAL Big Apple Classic, I went to a chinese restaurant near the golf club with father, mother, my manager, a friend of my father's, and my friend. While we were having late lunch, the manager of the restaurant came to us and said, "It's on the house." 'I am treated by a stranger like this after winning a couple of events', I mused. I admired my "fame". Suddenly, the owner of the restaurant came into the restaurant with his family. The young owner had heard that I was in his restaurant while resting in his house several blocks away. On hearing that, he and all his family members changed their clothes into traditional Chinese outfits, and left their house in a hurry. They also prepared a camera and books to sign.

Well, as I owed them for my free lunch, I gave them autographs and had my picture taken with them, including the cook and the other employees of the restaurant. After that big deal, we burst into laughter, saying, "There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

As the JAL Big Apple Classic was held near New York City, where many Koreans live, I met many Koreans while playing there. They followed me not only during the tournament, but also while I was practicing. They plagued me for autographs. Looking at my signature, many said, "It looks so unique. I can't understand what it means."

At the left, a smiling face winks, and then Se Ri in Korean, and Pak in English. Looking at the 'P' closely, you can find the pin and the number 18. It means, I'll always do my best until I finish all 18 holes. I invented my autograph when I was a high school student. "How about designing a wonderful autograph to prepare for the future?" I agreed with my mother's suggestion, so I worked on it. After that hard work, my masterpiece came into the world.
I like both comics and cartoons. When I'm at a restaurant alone, I draw my favorite cartoon characters on the paper waiting for the dish. I have a Bugs Bunny head cover for my driver. I bought it at MGM Studios in Orlando.

Women fans notice that I always wear black or white clothes. They also tell me I look like a boy. I like to dress in monotone colors. I've always thought that plain colors become me well because my skin is rather dark. And I also like to wear large sizes. That feels comfortable. But if they think that I am too rustic looking, maybe I'll try some other styles.

Diary Entry #8: Teaching Manners is Mother's Role

At the JAL Big Apple Classic, I ended up tied for 45th. My score was 4 over, 288 strokes. I felt sorry for all my fans who had followed and cheered me under the burning sun that I couldn't have played better.

Well, while playing golf, I have both ups and downs. But in this event, things went so wrong that I couldn't do anything about it. The principal cause was my putting. During the Jamie Farr Classic, the ball rolled to the cup as metal things stick to a magnet, but this time, the case was exactly the opposite.

I tried hard to calm myself down during this event. I tried not to express my anger, but it was no use. After one round, I was scolded by mother.

"Se Ri, don't get angry even when your game goes wrong."
"I didn't do anything. I didn't express my anger."
"You did. You pouted and tapped your shoes with your putter, and even started for the next hole before the other player finished her putt.... You may think that nobody notices that, but everybody sees what you are doing."
I was a little startled.

Mother went on. She is usually silent, but when it comes to manners, she speaks with fervor. Mother in this case is a little strict. "Have you seen Tiger Woods throw his putter when he isn't satisfied with his game? Do you think that habit of his is nice looking? On the contrary! Look at the amateur player from Georgia Tech, I don't remember his name (Matt Kuchar - HF). He always smiles, whether his game goes well or not. How wonderful he is! You should get rid of your bad habit of tapping your shoes with your putter."

A friend of my father's standing next to her began to side with me because he thought that I was being driven into the corner. "Well, in America, there are lots of fans who like bad boys like John McEnroe of tennis and Dennis Rodman of basketball. The fans sometimes want to see a player lose his or her temper, because it sometimes offers an interesting sight."
"Then let other players take that important role. I do not want to hear people say Se Ri has bad manners."
Mother maintained a serious countenance and he couldn't finish his words.

I've heard so much about a winner's behavior from father since I started golf. "Whether in a fight or in sports, to make needless gestures shows that one is scared. Especially, to lose one's temper is to admit that one already has been defeated." He emphasized this. Thanks to their lessons, I have rarely heard that I have bad manners.