Next big thing
Teenager Kim grabbing attention
By Kang Seung-woo
Pro-caliber, peerless amateur, heir apparent to the pedigree of Korean women golfers from Pak Se-ri to Choi Na-yeon — these are some of the terms being used to describe teenage golfer Kim Hyo-joo.
The unassuming Kim says she is not yet equal to these labels.
But her recent track record is more of an indication that the 17-year-old is the most dominant presence in Korean golf.
“Of course, I appreciate the compliments and interest. When I go to restaurants or other places, people often recognize me and tell of their support for me, which makes me happy,” Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times.
“But I do not think I deserve the nicknames yet and they push me to work harder, instead.”
Despite her unpretentious attitude, the native of Wonju, Gangwon Province, has made headlines this 2012 season, where she has taken center stage on tours at home and abroad.
Kim made a big noise at the Lotte Mart Ladies Open, the KLPGA’s season opener in April, with a 9-shot victory over a pack of professional golfers. She followed this with ties for 12th and fifth at the LPGA Lotte Championship and Woori Investment and Securities Ladies Championship, respectively.
In June, she rallied from five strokes down to top the Suntory Ladies Open on the Japanese Tour on the back of a birdie binge featuring 11 on the final day. With that victory, she became the youngest winner on the Japan LPGA Tour, while tying the record for the lowest score over 72 holes, at 17 under. Last month, she competed at the Evian Masters, which will become a major in 2013, and sat atop the leaderboard for a while during the final round before ending tied for fourth.
Kim, who has six victories including two on professional tours in 10 2012 appearances, never expected such a successful season.
“I had winter training as usual and I was worried about this season because my shots were not satisfactory,” she said.
“Before this season, I set my sights on four victories, but have revised the goal to winning as many tournaments as I can.”
She attributes this year’s success to her calmness .
“I am rarely affected by previous shots whether they were good or not and I just try to focus on the shot that I have to hit in front of me,” she said.
“In addition, there is nothing for an amateur to lose at pro tour competitions, which makes me feel comfortable.
Kim added that she sometimes undergoes mental training and keeps a golf diary, which she says helps her.
She is third in the world amateur rankings and has decided to turn pro in October. With only two months remaining in her amateur career, she has a final shot at the World Amateur Team Championship dubbed “Golf’s Olympics” in Turkey in September.
“I want to wrap up my amateur career well before going pro,” she said.
Kim will begin her professional career on the Korea LPGA Tour from next year. She also has plans to go overseas but is in no rush.
“I certainly want to play on the LPGA Tour as everyone does but I will focus on the Korean Tour first and if I have the opportunity, I will try to compete in the United States or Japan,” she said.
Along with her desire for a successful career, Kim, who has been involved in the national team since 2007, also wants to do well at the next Olympics. Golf will become an official event at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“I felt something was missing when I failed to make the three-member national team for the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010. So, I want to play with other good Korean golfers and claim a gold medal there,” she said.