Seo targets rookie of year award in 2011 LPGA season

By Yoon Chul

Former KLPGA champion Seo Hee-kyung said Thursday she wants to help boost Korean golf in the LPGA in 2011.

Seo, who earned her card to the LPGA by winning the Kia Classic in March, expressed confidence before departing for the United States to join the Tour.

“First of all I am happy to be able to play on the world’s best golf tour as it has been my dream for some time,” Seo said in a press conference in Seoul.

“I hope to snatch Rookie of the Year award. I am heading to the LPGA with strong tenacity and will grab at least one victory.”

The 24-year-old got off to a decent start in 2010 by winning on the LPGA Tour at an invitational event, but Seo, who won 11 times from 2008 to 2009 on the KLPGA, failed to achieve a single victory in Korea.

“During this season I lost my rhythm on my swing. While struggling, I found shortcomings by myself. I messed up last season as I failed to keep myself in good condition. But the failure taught me lots of lesson which are needed before heading to the LPGA. Given this, last season wasn’t that bad for me because I could take the time for self-examination.”

“I will work hard in winter training and work on my stamina to keep fit,” Seo said.

She also said that she would work at her short game and putting.

As the LPGA Tour is a long journey and a new world for Seo, she is expected to experience many difficulties while acclimatizing.

“I heard from my friend Kim Song-hee that 2011 could be a tough season for me.”

“I need to overcome the language barrier, and get used to the long trips and the food. I have studied English for a few years taking lesson from PAGODA academy, and improved my physical condition as well.

“Fortunately my parents will go with me, so I think I can overcome any problems,” Seo said.