As Michelle Wie fever spreads, don't forget LPGA's Grace Park
Tuesday January 31, 2006 | 05:07:05 413 words, 4621 views
I will admit to having a thing for Grace Park. Go ahead and accuse me of having an Asian fetish if you want to, and maybe that’s true. I didn’t land in Bangkok for no reason at all. But if Grace Park isn’t the classiest looking and most desirable woman on the LPGA Tour, I’d like to know who is.
Seems like we don’t hear much about Grace Park these days. Michelle Wie soaks up most of the attention, and Annika Sorenstam wins most of the tournaments, and Grace gets very little ink. Maybe that’s because she isn’t much of a self-promoter. She just goes out there quietly, looking stylish and sexy on the course, and hits them a mile.
I’ve got a friend who is part of the team that covers golf for NBC. He tells me Grace is “the most erotic golfer in ladies’ golf.” The guys who do the broadcasts talk about her among themselves.
A lot of people have forgotten that when Grace was 17, she was invited to take part in a long-drive contest with Laura Davies, who was then the longest hitter on the LPGA Tour. Davies won, but not by much, and Grace was still in high school. And while still an amateur, she led the field in driving distance at the U.S. Open. She was the youngest woman ever to make the cut at the Open until Wie came along.
Remember when Jan Stephenson made that tasteless remark about the women’s tour being ruined by all those Asians? I have to think jealousy played a role in that, and I’ll go even further and say I think it was Grace Park that Stephenson was really jealous over – and with good reason. In 2004, the LPGA conducted a survey in which fans were asked which female golfer they’d like to have over for dinner. Park won easily with 44 percent of the votes, doubling the total amassed by Sorenstam.
At $5 million, she’s currently ranked No. 19 on the career money list. She had a poor year in 2005, a result of recurrent back problems that are reflected in declining distance numbers. But at 26, assuming those injuries heal, she should have plenty of good years left. So while we’re all obsessing about Michelle Wie, let’s not forget that there isn’t a more watchable and talented player on the LPGA tour than Grace Park. Whether you’ve got an Asian fixation or not, you have to admit that’s true.
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: June [Visitor]
Well, maybe it's the diffrence in the cultural background but I know a lot of fellow Korean who don't appreciate Grace's temperament and sort of b****-personality. Sure she is one terrific golfer.
I persoanlly observed her temper tendrum on the field up clsoe and personal couple of years on LPGA Championship. She has two split personality when things going her way and not. And you really don't want to be around when thing go south. SHe is total you-know-what.
Of all fellow Korean ladies on the tour, she is my least favorite player. Maybe it's just me. Btu I know a lot of people who think just likewise.
I persoanlly observed her temper tendrum on the field up clsoe and personal couple of years on LPGA Championship. She has two split personality when things going her way and not. And you really don't want to be around when thing go south. SHe is total you-know-what.
Of all fellow Korean ladies on the tour, she is my least favorite player. Maybe it's just me. Btu I know a lot of people who think just likewise.
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2006-01-31 @ 11:03
Comment from: Jackson [Visitor]
Grace Park the most, "erotic" female golfer, this sounds like the tag line for a late night movie on cinemax. She certainly is attractive, but if she doesn'y get her game together she's in danger of becoming just another pretty face out there. I'm also a little confused about all the talk about her being a big hitter. Last year she averaged 256 yards off the tee, that would have her hitting first in my foursome of hackers.
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2006-01-31 @ 12:52
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Sorry Al, a little number called Soo-yun Kang is hotter and has more class in her little finger than Grace Park ever had.
According to some of the Seoul Sisters Grace is a truly cold beech.
Soo-yun won her first LPGA tournament last season and is coming off a win in Korea this year. She is also the most popular lady among the other Korean players on the tour. Just ask them.
If Soo-yun was playing with Michelle at the Samsung, she would have watched her drop and told her it was bad, unlike Grace who only thinks of herself.
According to some of the Seoul Sisters Grace is a truly cold beech.
Soo-yun won her first LPGA tournament last season and is coming off a win in Korea this year. She is also the most popular lady among the other Korean players on the tour. Just ask them.
If Soo-yun was playing with Michelle at the Samsung, she would have watched her drop and told her it was bad, unlike Grace who only thinks of herself.
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2006-01-31 @ 13:14
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
My favorite photo of Soo-yun:
http://www.seoulsisters.com/players/kangsy/galleries/candid%202005/images/kangsy_smas05_davieslaugh_jpg.jpg
http://www.seoulsisters.com/players/kangsy/galleries/candid%202005/images/kangsy_smas05_davieslaugh_jpg.jpg
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2006-01-31 @ 13:37
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
True Korean beauty:
http://www.seoulsisters.com/players/kangsy/galleries/candid%202005/images/kangsy_pinkoutfit_jpg.jpg
OK I'm done.
http://www.seoulsisters.com/players/kangsy/galleries/candid%202005/images/kangsy_pinkoutfit_jpg.jpg
OK I'm done.
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2006-01-31 @ 13:41
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Grace Park is definetely the best looking lpga member in my opinion.
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2006-01-31 @ 14:36
Comment from: Ashlyn [Visitor]
Well, Grace is the best looking Asian lpga member, IMO. Not the cutest Asian, tho (that goes to J-Ro hehe).
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2006-02-01 @ 01:45
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Grace Park is definetely the best looking lpga member in my opinion."
I've read many of your opinions Norman and there is a credibility problem here. Have you ever seen her with her makeup off?
"Comment from: Ashlyn [Visitor]
Well, Grace is the best looking Asian lpga member, IMO. Not the cutest Asian, tho (that goes to J-Ro hehe)."
I guess you're a lesbian attracted to J-Ro, the Dykish one.
Grace Park is definetely the best looking lpga member in my opinion."
I've read many of your opinions Norman and there is a credibility problem here. Have you ever seen her with her makeup off?
"Comment from: Ashlyn [Visitor]
Well, Grace is the best looking Asian lpga member, IMO. Not the cutest Asian, tho (that goes to J-Ro hehe)."
I guess you're a lesbian attracted to J-Ro, the Dykish one.
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2006-02-01 @ 02:04
Comment from: JOhn Cumming [Visitor]
Dont see a point of your commenting on Grace's attractiveness
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2006-02-01 @ 11:18
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
One-Putt,
I have no problem with credibility and Park is the best looking, but no I haven't met her, although I almost did. So I don't know what she looks like without her make up because I am guessing she would always have it on, when she is on tv.
I have no problem with credibility and Park is the best looking, but no I haven't met her, although I almost did. So I don't know what she looks like without her make up because I am guessing she would always have it on, when she is on tv.
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2006-02-01 @ 12:17
Comment from: HappyFan [Visitor]
Well, I couldn't disagree more with the comments about Grace Park being a bad person. I would be the first to admit that she has a temper (heck, she would be the first to admit it). Her fans even call her 'Hurricane Grace', which she thinks is funny. But if you are only judging her by what you see on TV, try going up to her at a tournament (preferably during practice rounds!) and talking to her. She has always been incredibly nice to her fans, even remembering you from year to year and starting conversations with you when she sees you again. She even waved at me during the 4th round of the US Women's Open!
And as for whether her fellow Korean pros like her, the answer is a definite yes. In fact, Soo-Yun Kang is one of her best friends on tour, and she is also quite close with Se Ri Pak and Hee-Won Han (whom she's known since childhood). Grace was one of the golfers who sprayed Soo-Yun with champagne when Kang won her first event last August. In addition, I've seen her have very friendly conversations with Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Laura Diaz, JRO, Annika and many other golfers. The LPGA even picked her as an unofficial board member to help bridge the gap between the Koreans and the Americans on tour. Would they have done that if they perceived her as hated by her fellow Asian players?
Take the word of someone who *became* a Grace fan because of her friendliness (I was put off at first by her tantrums, too): she is a great lady.
And as for whether her fellow Korean pros like her, the answer is a definite yes. In fact, Soo-Yun Kang is one of her best friends on tour, and she is also quite close with Se Ri Pak and Hee-Won Han (whom she's known since childhood). Grace was one of the golfers who sprayed Soo-Yun with champagne when Kang won her first event last August. In addition, I've seen her have very friendly conversations with Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Laura Diaz, JRO, Annika and many other golfers. The LPGA even picked her as an unofficial board member to help bridge the gap between the Koreans and the Americans on tour. Would they have done that if they perceived her as hated by her fellow Asian players?
Take the word of someone who *became* a Grace fan because of her friendliness (I was put off at first by her tantrums, too): she is a great lady.
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2006-02-02 @ 19:55
Comment from: HappyFan [Visitor]
Oh, one more thing. Grace's driving average was in the 280s a few years ago when she was still amateur. She had to scale back a bit to preserve her back when she turned pro, and last year, her repeated injuries made her have the lowest average she's had yet (the previous year she was well over 260 and in the top ten on the LPGA's driving avg list).
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2006-02-02 @ 20:03
Comment from: TK [Visitor]
I definitely agree with HappyFan. Ms. Grace has a temper, but no body is perfect. I do hope that she can control her temper as she becomes a better golfer. Other than her temper, she is a wonderful person in many ways. If you meet her, you will see the genuine qualities that she has. I do respect her as a golfer player and as a person. I am very sure that she will be more than a pretty face. She has a talent to be and will be one of the best golfers. As for her look, she looks beautiful without makeup and she looks very beautiful with makeup. I have seen her in person with and without makeup. However, we should not focus on her look too much. There is more than just a look to a person. As for her relationship with her fellow players on LPGA, I am sure she does not always get along with all LPGA players all the time. Who does? However, most of time, she seems to have good relationships with them based on the interaction between her and her follow LPGA players. I have seen her talking to her good friends Han Hee Won, Pak Se Ri, Ahn Shi Hyun, Kang Soo Yun, and many others many occasions. They seems to enjoy being around each other. I might be a bit biased because I enjoy watching seoul sisters and other LPGA players. But, they are beautiful in many ways, not just looks. I hope that, instead of criticizing, more people enjoy watching the wonderful game of golf and celebrate the display of golf gameship from a bunch of hard-working, exceptional girls.
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2006-02-02 @ 22:49
Comment from: Bangkokbobby [Visitor]
We could go back and forth all day over who is the best looking LPGA player, Asian or otherwise. That's so subjective; some like Grace (she's my pick for a dinner companion!), others like Mi Hyun Kim or Kangsy or Shi Hyun Ahn or Hana Kim or even Wiesy (although because of her age they won't admit it).
But I think she's the most important Asian player, in terms of connecting with the average American golf fan. Her looks make her marketable. Until last year, when she was injured, she was on a streak of winning at least one tournament per year. In 2004 she won two, including a Major. So she's far from in danger of being just another pretty face. Her English is perfect. And while some might be put off by "Hurricane Grace" she wears her emotions for all to see. Grace is, dare I say, extremely "gracious" with the fans. She is the exact opposite of everything Jan Stephenson complained about.
It makes perfect sense that the LPGA would coose Grace to be the bridge between the tour and the Asian players. She was the perfect pick to Captain the Asian team at the Lexus Cup.
But I think she's the most important Asian player, in terms of connecting with the average American golf fan. Her looks make her marketable. Until last year, when she was injured, she was on a streak of winning at least one tournament per year. In 2004 she won two, including a Major. So she's far from in danger of being just another pretty face. Her English is perfect. And while some might be put off by "Hurricane Grace" she wears her emotions for all to see. Grace is, dare I say, extremely "gracious" with the fans. She is the exact opposite of everything Jan Stephenson complained about.
It makes perfect sense that the LPGA would coose Grace to be the bridge between the tour and the Asian players. She was the perfect pick to Captain the Asian team at the Lexus Cup.
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2006-02-03 @ 09:29
Comment from: Ddwddick [Visitor]
If you consider golf talent alone, Ji Eun Park was the number one amateur since she moved to the mainland from Hawaii at age 13... She won all the USGA junior events regularly. Grace was also the number one women's golfer at AZ State University during the two years she spent there on this nationally recognized college golf team.
When she turned pro, it was mid-season and she went onto the FUTURES tour (LPGA's developmental tour), then not only was number one on the money list, player of the year, but also one of the first 3 players from the FUTURES tour to get an automatic Full Exemption onto the LPGA - due to her play during a half-season!!!
Once she gets her injuries under control, there is no doubt that Grace Park will be one of the best golfers on the LPGA tour. Past performance is a perfect indicator of future performance...
When she turned pro, it was mid-season and she went onto the FUTURES tour (LPGA's developmental tour), then not only was number one on the money list, player of the year, but also one of the first 3 players from the FUTURES tour to get an automatic Full Exemption onto the LPGA - due to her play during a half-season!!!
Once she gets her injuries under control, there is no doubt that Grace Park will be one of the best golfers on the LPGA tour. Past performance is a perfect indicator of future performance...
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2006-02-03 @ 11:17
Comment from: ghinhee [Visitor]
"But if Grace Park isn't the classiest looking and most desirable woman on the LPGA Tour, I'd like to know who is."
The classiest and most desirable woman on the LPGA Tour and who has the best smile is SeRi Pak.
The classiest and most desirable woman on the LPGA Tour and who has the best smile is SeRi Pak.
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2006-02-03 @ 12:13
Comment from: bluebird2 [Visitor]
If someone doesn't like the way Grace Park looks, I can only say Who Cares? I ain't gonna argue taste. But when someone suggests that Grace is unlikeable or self-centered, I say You're Wrong. I have followed her live at tournaments, read her postings online, talked with people close to her, and read keenly her many many interviews in victory and defeat. She is smart, funny, warm, and has a charming self-deprecating view of herself. Sure, she's a fierce competitor and an ambitious professional, but no serious athlete - from Bobby Jones to Morgan Pressel - amounted to much without a ferociously strong will to succeed. She has the support of her peers (and yes, her sponsors, who wouldn't back a PR problem), and the Tour has been happy to promote her. As for the suggestion that she was at fault during Michelle Wie's debacle, I consider it a sign of respect for Michelle and her caddy that Grace chose NOT to hover. It's the job of a playing partner to "protect the field" but from what I've seen (I've been to plenty of tournaments) that only happens when there's a chance of "foul play." Even Michelle's veteran caddy didn't know she'd screwed up; he was standing right there; and he is PAID to protect HER!!!
Give the woman a break. In my opinion she embodies everything one can admire in a woman. That fact that she's also one of the best golfers on the planet, despite chronic back problems for over a decade, leaves me in awe.
Give the woman a break. In my opinion she embodies everything one can admire in a woman. That fact that she's also one of the best golfers on the planet, despite chronic back problems for over a decade, leaves me in awe.
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2006-02-03 @ 14:22
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Let me see. When Grace Park was 17 she was in a long drive contest with Laura Davies--which she lost, but not by much. Why is losing, but coming close, considered something commendabe in Grace Park, but not in Michelle Wie?
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2006-02-03 @ 15:50
Comment from: HappyFan [Visitor]
To answer Jim Coulthard:
Grace Park in 1998 won the women's amateur Grand Slam in one season; no golfer had managed that feat in 60 years (and none has done it since to my knowledge). Even before that, she had won some 60 junior and amateur tournaments.
Grace got attention because she was dominating her competition on the golf course and winning just about every important event out there, not just because she finished second to Laura Davies at a demonstration event (which is really just a footnote to her career).
Grace Park in 1998 won the women's amateur Grand Slam in one season; no golfer had managed that feat in 60 years (and none has done it since to my knowledge). Even before that, she had won some 60 junior and amateur tournaments.
Grace got attention because she was dominating her competition on the golf course and winning just about every important event out there, not just because she finished second to Laura Davies at a demonstration event (which is really just a footnote to her career).
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2006-02-03 @ 16:41
Comment from: Larry [Visitor]
I have been a Grace Park fan for several years. I have cheered for her at many tournaments and hope to cheer for her at many more. Grace is a joy to be around and she truly appreciates her fans. Grace dresses very fashionably and presents herself very well, however, when she is on the course she is there to play golf.... not be hot or sexy. Normally, people who are critical of Grace really don't know her at all. Those who know her tend to support her and generally like her very much.
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2006-02-03 @ 19:34
Comment from: cannuck [Visitor]
Watching Grace turned me on to the LPGA
Her temper hurts her but she appears to be the full package
But she is one a many hot ladies on tour now.......
Her temper hurts her but she appears to be the full package
But she is one a many hot ladies on tour now.......
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2006-02-03 @ 20:42
Comment from: ShankYou [Visitor]
Just a few comments on Grace...
Don't kid yourself...off the tee, she still bombs it. She'll never be as long as Michelle Wie, but she can still put it out there 280+. I think the driving distance stats are misleading...she had a lot of problems with her driver this season and likely took out the 3-wood a lot. I believe"drives" with the 3-wood still will count in her stats.
As far as looks go, I think her and Kangsy are in a different category. Soo-Yun has the sweet, wholesome beauty. Grace is just flat out HOT. If you've never seen her in person, she actually looks even better. And she's pretty ripped. (Watch her wrists/hands and calves when she sets up)
Everything I've seen or heard indicates she's a strong "sister" figure for the other koreans, much like Se Ri. And her temper is focused on herself, not others. I follwed her and watched her explode several times, but she was still very nice to people who talked to her or asked for an autograph. I've marshalled at PGA events and watched some of the "boys" having a bad day scream at spectators for breathing too hard. Grace is not that type of person. Still, I imagine it does wear on her playing partners and I could see some being put-off when they are paired with her.
Don't kid yourself...off the tee, she still bombs it. She'll never be as long as Michelle Wie, but she can still put it out there 280+. I think the driving distance stats are misleading...she had a lot of problems with her driver this season and likely took out the 3-wood a lot. I believe"drives" with the 3-wood still will count in her stats.
As far as looks go, I think her and Kangsy are in a different category. Soo-Yun has the sweet, wholesome beauty. Grace is just flat out HOT. If you've never seen her in person, she actually looks even better. And she's pretty ripped. (Watch her wrists/hands and calves when she sets up)
Everything I've seen or heard indicates she's a strong "sister" figure for the other koreans, much like Se Ri. And her temper is focused on herself, not others. I follwed her and watched her explode several times, but she was still very nice to people who talked to her or asked for an autograph. I've marshalled at PGA events and watched some of the "boys" having a bad day scream at spectators for breathing too hard. Grace is not that type of person. Still, I imagine it does wear on her playing partners and I could see some being put-off when they are paired with her.
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2006-02-04 @ 11:59
Comment from: JLindebergFan [Visitor]
'But if Grace Park isn't the classiest looking and most desirable woman on the LPGA Tour, I'd like to know who is.'
That hono(u)r would go to Soo-Yun Kang.
That hono(u)r would go to Soo-Yun Kang.
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2006-02-06 @ 09:22
Comment from: Anthony Pang [Visitor]
With regard to the tasteless remarks made by Jan Stephenson, her opinion typifies many racists Autralians that the immigrant community faces everyday down under. I have been reminded many times by friends there that I have been so lucky to be in Canada. I think so too.
Sex Appeal to sell Asian LPGA? It's true, men like watching beautiful girls, and it's unfortunate 50 year olds cannot compete with 20 somethings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sex Appeal to sell Asian LPGA? It's true, men like watching beautiful girls, and it's unfortunate 50 year olds cannot compete with 20 somethings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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2006-03-17 @ 09:48
Comment from: Chigger [Visitor]
For what it's worth, so far this year Grace has an average driving distance of 268.4, which is tied for 12th overall... Not shabby at all...
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2006-05-09 @ 13:49 Leave a comment:
Bangkok Al
a WorldGolf.com Blog
TravelGolf.com’s Bangkok Al blogs about golf in Asia, Michelle Wie’s fashion sense and the tipping habits of Phil Mickelson and Bill Gates. He also sounds off on the shortage of showmanship on the PGA Tour, plus Rush Limbaugh.
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