Park In-bi's Diagnosis: "Putting Is the Key"

ISPS Handa Australian Women's Open Turning Point "A Course That Is Not Easy to Attack" Analysis

Park In-bee is smiling brightly during the official interview at the ISPS Handa Australian Women's Open. Photo by LPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Putting is the key to victory."

This is about 'Golf Empress' Park In-bi (32, KB Financial Group). Ahead of the LPGA Tour ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open (total prize money $1.3 million) held on the 13th (Korean time) at Royal Adelaide Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia (par 72, 6,648 yards), she said, "I recently missed winning opportunities because of putting," adding, "It is an urgent point to improve." She also expressed her determination, saying, "Putting is the most important part in golf, and it is the same this week."

After playing 9 holes to check her condition, Park In-bi expressed satisfaction with the course. She said, "It is a beautiful golf course, and the course layout is good," and added, "I am looking forward to this week." She continued, "The fairways are firm with a lot of roll, and the greens are hard with some undulation," adding, "It is not an easy course, but it seems like a good challenge opportunity." Her biggest goal this year is to defend her title at the Tokyo Olympics in August.

This is why she is focusing on the LPGA Tour from the early season, unlike last year. She must be ranked within the top 15 in the world and among the 'top 4' Korean players by the end of June to secure a ticket. Currently, she is ranked 17th in the world and 6th among Korean players. She said, "Right now, securing a ticket is more difficult than winning an Olympic medal." Although she performed well with a tie for 2nd place at the Diamond Resort Tournament, the opening event of the 2020 season in January, she suffered the humiliation of missing the cut consecutively at the Gainbridge LPGA and ISPS Handa Vic Open.

Her ball striking ability was decent, but putting held her back. Park In-bi, who said, "Each player has a different standard method regarding putting," diagnosed, "My putting is not very good right now," and "There are many points to improve." On the first day, she will play alongside Yoo So-yeon (30) and Oh Soo-hyun (Australia). This tournament features 144 players competing in a 72-hole stroke play format to determine the winner. After 36 holes, the top 70 players advance to the final round. The winner's prize money is $195,000 (23 million KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.