Future Looks Bright for KLPGA Rookie

Passing the 300 million won mark in season prize money and scheduled to matriculate into a prestigious university… It seems that she is a high school student with the world under her belt.

The newbie in the Korean Lady’s Pro Golf Association (KLPGA) Shin Ji-ae (18, HiMart, photo) won second place last weekend in the Hite Cup, making a mark in the Korean golf history. She is the first among both men and women to have attained the 300 million won mark per year in prize.

“The golf record book will list Shin Ji-ae. It’s so exciting.”

In her senior year of Hampyung Golf High School, Shin Ji-ae dominated the KLPGA this year. Earning 315,436,000 won, with an average stroke of 69.58 strokes, a tour point of 183, and the rookie point of 1151, she has taken the lead in all aspects.

Thanks to a more exquisite iron shot and putting practices-

Though her potential was among the top in the junior division until last year, she did not expect to play so well.

“It’s due to a more exquisite iron shot that seems to attach itself to the pin.”

At the short height of 155 cm, she is famous for her long shots of 270 yards, and boasts first place of 82.7 percent chance of hitting the green. By fighting with the putter for three to four hours from midnight until bedtime, her weakness in putting also became better. Her average putting rate per round is 30.4, putting her in second place.

Shin Ji-ae underwent an interview last weekend for the department of physical education at Yonsei University. Because she is earmarked as a special candidate in sports, she only has to wait for her acceptance.

“When I become a college student I want to attend classes regularly and study hard. I have to focus on golf, so I won’t be dating. Haha…”

She acquired a driver’s license in May, and is expecting to purchase a small vehicle soon.

Shin Ji-ae experienced the pain of losing her mother in a car accident three years ago. At the time her mother was in a car on her way to the golf course to support her daughter. During the following year Shin Ji-ae took care of her sibling at the hospital, who had also been injured badly in the accident, but did not give up her golf club. She did not want to disappoint her mother who may be watching from heaven.

Targeting the LPGA at the Kolon Hana Bank Championship tomorrow-

Relieved somewhat of her mental burden with her success this season, Shin Ji-ae will attend the Kolon Hana Bank Championship of the American Ladies Pro Golf Association Tour in Gyeongju on October 27. If she wins, she may head for her dream destination, the LPGA tour.

“There are a lot of dogleg holes and the green is difficult. The cold weather may also be a variable factor. I should do my best.”

The eighteen year-old girl has a long way to go, but her cheerful voice seems to connote her bright future.

kjs0123@donga.com