Park Sung-hyun to make her debut at LPGA in March

Park Sung-hyun to make her debut at LPGA in March. February. 03, 2017 07:11. by Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com. Golfer Park Sung-hyun who conquered the Korean fields last year is on the rise, as she is preparing for the 2017 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. While yet to become a “big leaguer,” numerous sponsors are lining up in front of Park. As such, expectations on Park is as high as ever.

On Thursday, Park agreed upon a three-year sponsorship contract with LG Electronics. While details are yet to be disclosed, the electronic conglomerate is ready to provide a generous 400 million won a year until 2019. Park’s management Sema Sports Marketing said the recent deal as an acknowledgement to Park’s endless potentials and star quality, with LG’s ultra-premium brand "LG Signature" labeled on her.

Park has been signing almost one sponsorship contract every week since late 2016. Even Korean Air has decided to back Park. Indeed, an airline sponsor will be a great thrust to a golfer who needs to carry many luggage during long and frequent flights.

Park also signed a golf equipment contract with TaylorMade, which will provide her with drivers, woods, irons, and caddie bags. “Park shines the brightest as a fighter and a powerful golfer," said Won Ji-hyeon, the marketing team head of TaylorMade Korea. "She is a tomboy, but also keeps cute and feminine charm.”

What’s more, Park struck an agreement with Gojin Motors, an official dealer of Audi. Others include sportswear brand of Beanpole Golf, golf shoes from Nike, golf balls and gloves from Titleist, belts, and others. No wonder Park is called the “walking billboard.”

Park is currently focused on adapting herself to the new environment, going through the 12-hour drill every day at a training camp in Orlando where she left on Dec. 27. Besides physical training sessions, is also learning English from a local elementary school teacher three times a week to overcome language barriers. “The Rookie of the Year award at LPGA will be a very meaningful prize, which I never had the chance back in Korea," the 23-year-old golfer said. "I would like to win at least once.”

Park is planning to make her first appearance at the LPGA Tour, starting with the HSBC Champions in Singapore in March, or the Founders Cup to be held a week later in Arizona, the U.S.