‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bee: “I Want to Have One More Child”

Enjoying Parenting Deeply Since Giving Birth Last April
Planning a Second Child After First Daughter: "I Want to Train Them as an Athlete"
Challenging for IOC Athletes' Commission Member, Managing Hangzhou Schedule

"I am so happy."

The 'Golf Queen' Park In-bee is fully immersed in parenting. After marrying swing coach Nam Ki-hyeop, a former Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) player, in 2014, she gave birth to a daughter last April and temporarily stepped away from the field. In an interview with Asia Economic on the 6th, Park In-bee said with a bright smile, "On days when I don't have work, I devote myself entirely to childcare," adding, "My daughter is so beautiful." She continued, "I want my daughter to become a golf player too," and smiled, saying, "When I imagine us playing rounds together in the future, it makes me very happy."

Inbee Park has been working hard on parenting and being elected as an IOC athlete representative since giving birth. She said, "Raising a child is fun, and taking on new challenges is also a source of happiness."

Park In-bee is now busy taking care of her six-month-old daughter. When asked which is more difficult between golf and parenting, she gave an unexpected answer: "Parenting is easier and more fun." She explained, "Of course, it’s easier because I have many people helping me, including my husband." Park In-bee also revealed her desire regarding children. When asked if she plans to have more children, she said, "If the opportunity arises, I would like to have more." She shared her childbirth experience, saying, "Giving birth is really tough on the body, and it takes a lot of time to return to my previous condition," but added, "Still, children bring more happiness than that, and they are so lovable. If circumstances allow, I want to have one more child."

Park In-bee is a 'living legend' with a total of 21 wins on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, including seven major championships. She achieved the 'Career Grand Slam' by winning the 2015 Women's British Open and added a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics to become a 'Career Golden Slammer.' Between 2013 and 2018, she held the No. 1 spot in the women's golf world rankings for a total of 106 weeks. After giving birth, she naturally distanced herself from the field. There are even rumors that she might no longer hold a golf club.

Park In-bee clearly drew the line regarding retirement. She holds lifetime exemptions on both the U.S. and Korean tours. She stated, "As a golfer, I don't think I need to declare retirement. If I say I’m quitting golf, my mind might change later." She explained, "Since I have lifetime exemptions, I will take my time and see how things go," adding, "It will be difficult to return to the tour next year. I won’t be playing on the field as a player for the time being."

Inbee Park and her husband Ki-Hyup Nam are taking a commemorative photo at their daughter's 100-day celebration.
[Photo by Inbee Park Instagram]

Park In-bee has been stepping onto the field through sponsor events. Since becoming a mother, she has been absolutely lacking in exercise and practice. She said, "Since giving birth, I have played 'Cheerful Golf' about three or four times," and laughed awkwardly, "During my first round after childbirth, I strangely hit the ball well, but these days, not so much." Park In-bee added, "I have started practicing gradually," and said, "I plan to do Pilates and weight training to regain my former body."

Park In-bee is a master of the short game, especially putting. When asked to share tips for amateur golfers to improve their putting, she advised, "Putting is about your own sense," and said, "Don’t focus too much on technical aspects or your stroke; instead, develop your own feel." She particularly emphasized, "It’s better to let go of the greed to make every putt and aim to get the ball close enough to receive a conceded putt even if it doesn’t go in. Above all, distance control is important," and shared her own secret, "I often look at the hole, which helps improve my sense of distance."

Park In-bee is facing an important 'task.' On August 14th, she was selected as a final candidate for the Korean athlete representative to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She was chosen through competition with athletes such as Jin Jong-oh (shooting), Kim Yeon-koung (volleyball), Lee Dae-hoon (taekwondo), and Kim So-young (badminton). The IOC reviews candidates recommended by each country and selects the final athlete representative candidates. The IOC athlete representatives are elected by direct votes from Olympic athletes. To become an IOC athlete representative, she must rank among the top four in the vote at the Paris Olympics, which conclude on August 11th next year.

Park In-bee (from the right), Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and Jang Mi-ran, the 2nd Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, are attending the 'Korea Day' event held last September in Hangzhou, China, and having a conversation.

Park In-bee, who has chosen a new challenge, is expanding her activities beyond tournaments. She explained, "I am serving as a promotional ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. I attend various sports events and am learning a lot." In September, Park In-bee attended the 'Korea Day' event held in Hangzhou, China, where she had many conversations with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Vice Minister Jang Mi-ran of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. She said, "Going to Hangzhou and seeing Olympic officials and Asian sports diplomats gave me an indirect glimpse of what I would do if I became an athlete representative," adding, "I realized that this is a truly wonderful role that athletes can play for the development of the sports world."

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