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Park In-bee to wrap up season after playing at 2 tournaments

Park In-bee to wrap up season after playing at 2 tournaments

Posted October. 06, 2016 07:24,   

Updated October. 06, 2016 08:39

한국어
Park In-bee (28) flashed a bright smile as she appeared before reporters for the first time in weeks. The cast over her left hand thumb that she used due to chronic injury was nowhere to be found.

“I removed the cast two weeks ago as I recovered faster than expected. My ligament has been regenerated, and I feel no more pain,” Rio de Janeiro Olympic gold medalist said. “I have completed rehabilitation process over the past 15 days, and I am resuming practical training. I still feel wary and use caution. I wish to play golf after fully recovering my physical condition next year.” She attended a press conference for the ING Life Champion’s Trophy Park In-bee Invitational at Koreana Hotel in Seoul on Wednesday.

Making preparations in phases to return to the golf course, Park plans to wrap up the season after taking part in two domestic competitions. “I am considering participating in the KB Financial Group Star Championship this month, and the Champion’s Trophy competition (Park In-bee Invitational) next month.” However, she plans to decide whether to take part in the events or not after checking her physical condition.

She displayed sense of pride in her stature that was significantly elevated after winning the Olympic gold medal. “People who had not enjoyed golf also expressed concern about my health. I felt that golf is becoming a sport of the general public through the Rio Olympics. I feel bigger responsibility now,” Park said. “I wish to make contributions, so that the world would know there are many good golfers in Korea, in addition to Park In-bee. I think it is important to win more titles in major championships. I wish to become a role model for prospective golfers and fellow golfers.”

Saying that she is relaxing for the first time in many months, she also talked about issues that are not related to golf. “My parents-in-law live in Gyeongju, and they suffered damage after the recent earthquakes hit the area. My husband is staying in Gyeongju to take care of my mother-in-law.” Her deep love of her pet dog is widely known to the public. Nam Ki-hyeop, her husband and swing coach, presented a pet dog called "Rio" to the golf champion to commemorate her Olympic gold medal. “Some days ago, I went to a swimming pool exclusively for pet dogs," Park said with a smile. "I am just happy to see my dog’s eyes.”



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