Park Sung-hyun reclaims No. 1 world ranking

Park Sung-hyun reclaims No. 1 world ranking. March. 06, 2019 08:13. by Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com.
South Korean professional golfer Park Sung-hyun has a special link to the Philippines. During her teen years, Park visited the country for special training sessions. Due to financial strain on her family, she had to get financial assistance from around. Dreaming of becoming the "queen of golf," the young Park honed her golf skills in the Philippines back in the days.

When she signed a sponsorship contract with Filipino company Solaire Resort & Casino last month, she recalled that the country means a lot to her, saying that she is familiar with golf courses and loves Filipino food.

This week has been a special moment for Park who visited the Philippines for the first time in five years recalling the old days with mixed feelings. This is because of her first victory of this season in the LPGA HSBC Women’s Championship and her reclaiming global No.1 ranking as announced on Monday.

Recording a total ranking point of 6.74, the 25-year-old Korean returned to the first place in four months, outcompeting Thai golfer Ariya Jutanugarn with 6.54. It is Park's third time to top the ranking. "I've achieved one of my goals of the year," she said. "I will keep the pace with this fresh beginning."

The lucky Park plans to play in the Country Club Ladies Invitational scheduled to open at Laguna National Golf & Country Club (par-72) near Manila, the Philippines, starting Wednesday for three days.

This time, Park has been welcomed whole-heartedly in the Philippines. Boarding a helicopter provided by the organizers, she moves to her hotel from the golf club. A Rolls-Royce of high-class trim is also exclusive to her, whose schedule table is full of various events such as VIP lessons and a contract signing ceremony.