'LPGA Suseok' Yu Hae-ran: "I Will Grow and Come Back"

Yoo Hae-ran Balances Academics and Physical Training in Korea, Immersed in English Study
Departs for Thailand Training Camp on January 16, Heads to the U.S. with Parents
March Drive On Championship Debut: "Aiming for 1 Win and Rookie of the Year"

'LPGA top player' Yoo Hae-ran is determined to "challenge for the Rookie of the Year title along with a victory on the U.S. stage next year." Photo by Sema Sports Marketing

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I will come back stronger."

This is the determination of Yoo Hae-ran, who topped the LPGA qualifying series. After finishing first at the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series held on the 12th at Highland Oaks Golf Course (par 72) in Dothan, Alabama, USA, she has returned home and is currently resting. In an interview with Asia Economy Newspaper on the 22nd, Yoo Hae-ran said with a bright smile, "Receiving congratulatory messages in Korea makes it feel more real," and "I am very happy to have passed at the top."

Yoo Hae-ran is a player who made a surprise victory as an invited player at the 2019 KLPGA Tour Jeju Samdasoo Masters. She immediately earned a regular tour card and won once in 2020, claiming the Rookie of the Year title. After accumulating a total of five wins, including two in 2021 and one in 2022, she set her sights on the U.S. stage and passed the qualifying exam at the top.

Yoo Hae-ran has been busy. She has been expressing gratitude to those who have supported her generously. She is also attending classes at Korea National Sport University. To adapt to life in the U.S., she is learning English. Yoo Hae-ran smiled and said, "I am working hard on my English," adding, "I still have a long way to go."

The area she is focusing on the most is physical fitness. The LPGA Tour will start the 2023 season with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament Champions beginning January 19 in Orlando, Florida. The schedule is tight, with 33 tournaments over 11 months until the CME Group Tour Championship at the end of November. This is incomparable to moving between venues domestically. Yoo Hae-ran explained, "I think physical strength will be necessary to play many tournaments," and "I am building my body during the off-season."

Yoo Hae-ran will depart for Thailand on January 16. She will undergo about a month of winter training to improve her weaknesses. Yoo Hae-ran said, "My play around the greens is not yet perfect," and "I plan to focus on putting, approach shots, and other short game aspects."

After finishing training in Thailand and returning to Korea, Yoo Hae-ran plans to head to the U.S. She does not plan to find a permanent home but will move according to tournament locations. Her parents will assist her. Yoo Hae-ran said, "In the first year, I plan to live with my father and mother," and "I am not too worried because I will have their support." She is currently looking for a caddie.

Yoo Hae-ran is expected to make her debut at the LPGA Drive On Championship held in Arizona, USA, on March 23. She is focusing more on adaptation than results. Yoo Hae-ran said, "I heard that courses, greens, and weather vary by tournament location in the U.S.," and "I will focus on adapting locally for one year." She added, "My goal is to win my first tournament as soon as possible," emphasizing, "I have no pressure since I won Rookie of the Year in Korea, but I will do my best to win the Rookie of the Year award again."

Yoo Hae-ran is determined to follow in the footsteps of the Taeguk ladies who have made history on the LPGA Tour. She said, "My role models are the seniors who have set records on the LPGA stage," and "I want to leave a good impression on golf fans there as well." She added, "I will learn and grow while playing on the tour and come back stronger," and "Please continue to support me even when I play on the LPGA Tour."

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