‘3 Consecutive Years Prize Queen’ Ko Jin-young "The End of Patience Was Sweet"... ‘Departing January 12 Next Year’

Overcoming Early Season Slump, Triple Crown Winner in Wins and MVP, Four-Week Training Camp in the US

Ko Jin-young is cheering after securing the victory at the final event of the 2021 season, the CME Group Tour Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae Noh] "It was a year that truly made me realize that 'the end of patience is sweet.'"

These are the words of Ko Jin-young (26), ranked 2nd in the world. In an online interview with the press on the 27th, she reflected, "The moment I received the Player of the Year award was the most fulfilling," adding, "I often thought that the result of patience is sweet." When asked to describe the 2021 season in one word, she replied, "I think the word 'great reversal' fits best," and said, "I felt that if you endure painful and difficult times well, there is a sweet reward."

Ko Jin-young went through a tough period early in the season, including the loss of her grandmother. She lost the world No. 1 ranking to Nelly Korda (USA) and finished tied for 9th at the Tokyo Olympics, where she was expected to win gold. After training domestically, she won the Portland Classic in September, the Cognizant Founders Cup, and the BMW Ladies Championship in October. Then, last month, she claimed the top spot at the season finale, the CME Group Tour Championship, securing multiple wins, Player of the Year, and the money title.

She became the first Korean player on the LPGA Tour to win the money title three consecutive times. "There was a very brief frustrating period that almost caused an identity crisis," she explained, "but with the help and love of those around me, I was able to shorten what could have been six months to three months." Regarding Nelly Korda, who competed with her throughout the season for the world ranking and individual titles, Ko acknowledged her skills. "She is a player with good manners and great skills," Ko Jin-young said, "I am also learning from her," and praised, "She is young but seems to excel at everything."

She also gave advice to Anna Lin (25) and Choi Hye-jin (22), who will debut on the LPGA Tour in 2022. "The burden is so heavy that just carrying it around is tough," she said, "They need a period to experience, feel, and learn by facing challenges." Since returning to Korea last month, she has focused on physical training to catch her breath. She will leave for the U.S. on January 12 next year for about four weeks of training camp. "There is still a long way to go," she said, "Doing my best in the process is both my plan and goal."

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