by John Yim
Raising a woman golfer is a risky proposition if you are in it for the money. On the other hand, if you happen to have a daughter and you are trying to guide her life to the maximum degree of happiness, doesn't professional golf make sense? If she becomes a pro and does well for a year, isn't that better than working as a 3rd grade teacher for 30 years? If she doesn't reach pro but just gets a good tan and marries well, also a win. If she turns out to be a dentist but turns to golf as a favored activity, fine also. The worst case scenario is that she get struck by lightning out on the course. I am somewhat of an expert in Korean culture and must say that no parent or child every dismisses the importance of education. These parents simply opt for golf education first.
In adress to the reason for their dominance, let us probe this issue with some ideas:
1. Genetics of stouter lower body that gives a greater degree of consistency, leader to greater accuracy. Michelle Wie is an anomoly. I just wish she wasn't so young. grrr.
2. High mixture of intelligence, muscle memory, and diligence.
3. Confidence. Were Korean women different before Seri Park? No. It's just that no one had really achieved it before. Watch a historic parallel with Yuna Kim in women's figure skating.
While I'm at it, let me predict that the next decade will see a rise in the percentage of Korean male golfers, although they will never dominate the sport completely. Anthony Kim is just the beginning. When his belt buckle reaches its optimum satellite reception, his game is quite entertaining. That is because he speaks the language. Women players are the same. You try cracking a joke while competing in Yemen. It's hard.
Anyways, my message is : "Don't hate." While professional sports remains a pure meritocracy, it will have value. Once you start requiring language skills and a passport, you bring the sport roughly parallel to professional wrestling. I used to wrestle in high school and I never used a figure-4 leglock on my opponents. Let's not require these talented girls to do anything but raise the level of the game. If you are mad, then win. If you can't win, then watch - silently.

by Janet Miller
I know the Korean girls are great but why did we let so many get into the LPGA. This kinda gets old to watch another country come and take over. I much rather watch American girls play. No wonder the LPGA isn't doing good. I won't watch if I see the list leading with a bunch of Koreans. It does not interst me one bit. I think whoever let the door open should close it. Sure they work hard. So does our girls. That doesn't mean they should take over USA LPGA golf.

by Richard
Its unfortunate that these plyers don't get a educationand parents sre pushing kids to make it. If our girls didn't go to school I am sure they would be better mgolfers but there comes a time when golfing is over and then what . Its sad for the LPGA don't get involved in trying to insure this is not fair for the gilrs. If they start out young playing everyday and don't make it what do you do with them ??

by Lisa Brown
Obviously, our girls are not good enough to 'take over' the LPGA. The world doesn't really care if you would watch LPGA, or if Americans 'takes it over.' The whole world only cares about who's the best and so far it has been Korean girls. If you find it unacceptable, then simply do not watch it. Obviously, you are not a golfer.

by alexandra
you have a valid point. American golf spectors do want to see more american women players. However, like all sports, more diverse national groups are entering golf. Of course, all involved would like to see more polished players in the korean women players such as Tiger Woods. However, the korean ladies and their parents will eventually navigate the game of sponsorship, and some may transcend into golf-stardom. But honestly all can agree that we, americans should look at large representation of korean women in the sport as a challenge for american women players to work harder, making LPGA more exciting! my guess is that, there are already american superstars developing about to transcend in the sport of golf! Let us wait and see!

by zen
I did not know there was supposed to be a limit on how many golfers are allowed to play in the LPGA, get a clue lady, the Korean women are good because they work hard to be good, also, the talent pool in US Women golf is not that deep for now, but you'll see that in the future, when there are some money to be made in women's golf there will be slew of talent that will emerge from the US! Do you think the MLB should limit how many Latin baseball players should be allowed to play in the MLB? Please don't let your zenophobic mind control your social thoughts

by hope
But can they survive a steroid test?

by cindy
QUIT school? Not if you're Korean-American! In Korea, opportunities in higher education are really limited (expensive, borderline suicidal competitive) and there aren't too many opportunities to become fabulously rich either. If you're good at something like golf...you have money AND esteem.
If you're Korean-American, you are expected to be a fabulous golfer AND #1 student :X

by dan hill
Grew up in Taejon, South Korea as part of a missionary family. 2 comments.
1. There is a singleminded-ness and determination to be successful among (South Koreans) Koreans that is truly refreshing. in the 60s and 70s when I grew up there, they were dirt poor. My parents started orphanges there and would get AmericaN CHURCHES TO sponsor and support them. Now South Korea is the most internet wired country (per capita basis) in the world. Watch out, they are just getting started.
2. The difference between South Koreans (Samsung, LG, Daewoo, Hyundai,Posco, etc.) vs North koreans who can barely feed themselves (and who are now on average 3-4 inches shorter than their South Korean brothers and sisters is the world's biggest testament to the superiority of capitalism vs. communism.

by eddie yoon
The article don't really explain why Korean women golfers dominate in US. If the article is true, they why is it then Korean men do not dominate golf in U.S, as women do?