Se Ri Pak was the Republic of Korea’s first star when it came to women’s golf, winning five major championships and leading the way for the next generation.
Born in the Yusong District of the country in September 1977, it was clear from the outset that Pak was going to be a golfing star. She won six times on the LPGA Tour of Korea as an amateur, before turning professional at the age of 19 in 1996. She would go on to win a total of 14 times on the Tour.
She made the move to the United States a couple of years after turning pro, and was named Rookie of the Year on the LPGA Tour in 1998 – and for good reason. That season, she claimed her first two major titles, winning the McDonald’s LPGA Championship (now Women’s PGA Championship) and the US Women’s Open in a seven-week spell.
Pak would go on to win the LPGA in both 2002 and 2006 as well, along with adding a Women’s British Open (now AIG Women’s Open) crown to make it a five-major collection. She finished her career with 25 LPGA Tour victories, and 39 career wins worldwide. However, her biggest achievement is arguably her influence on the women’s game on Korea. She broke down the barrier in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the only Korean on the LPGA Tour – and the likes of Inbee Park, In Gee Chun, Jiyai Shin and Jin Young Ko have all followed in her footsteps.
Se Ri Pak | Player Profile
Personal Information
Name: Se Ri Pak
Born: September 28, 1977
Nationality: Republic of Korea
Residence: Orlando, Florida, United States
Career
Turned Pro: 1996
Professional Wins: 39
Best Results In Majors
Best Finishes:
– Chevron Championship – T4 (2014)
– Women’s PGA Championship – WON (1998, 2002, 2006)
– US Women’s Open – WON (1998)
– Amundi Evian Championship – T4 (2013)
– AIG Women’s Open – WON (2001)
– du Maurier Classic – T7 (2000)
Professional Wins – 39
1992 (1) – Lyle and Scott Women’s Open
1993 (1) – Tomboy Women’s Open
1995 (4) – Tomboy Women’s Open, Midopa Women’s Open, Christian Dior Women’s Open, Seoul Women’s Open
1996 (4) – Dongil Renown Ladies Classic, FILA Women’s Open, Diadora Cup SBS Professional Golf Challenge, Hanwha Cup Seoul Women’s Open
1997 (2) – Cheil Industries Rose Women’s Open, Hanwha Cup Seoul Women’s Open
1998 (4) – McDonald’s LPGA Championship, US Women’s Open, Jamie Farr Kroger Classic, Giant Eagle LPGA Classic
1999 (4) – ShopRite LPGA Classic, Jamie Farr Kroger Classic, Samsung World Championship of Women’s Golf, PageNet Championship
2001 (5) – YourLife Vitamins LPGA Classic, Longs Drugs Challenge, Jamie Farr Kroger Classic, Women’s British Open, AFLAC Champions
2002 (5) – The Office Depot Championship, McDonald’s LPGA Championship, First Union Betsy King Classic, Mobile LPGA Tournament of Champions, Sports Today CJ Nine Bridges Classic
2003 (4) – Safeway PING, Chick-fil-A Charity Championship, MBC-Xcanvas Women’s Open, Jamie Farr Kroger Classic
2004 (1) – Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill
2006 (1) – McDonald’s LPGA Championship
2007 (1) – Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic
2010 (1) – Bell Micro LPGA Classic
2012 (1) – KDB Daewoo Securities Classic
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Achievements and Awards
LPGA Rookie of the Year – 1998
GWAA Female Player of the Year – 1998
Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year – 1998
LPGA Vare Trophy – 2003
LPGA Heather Farr Award – 2006
World Golf Hall of Fame – 2007
Bob Jones Award – 2020
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Se Ri Pak
When and where was Se Ri Pak born?
Se Ri Pak was born in the Yusong District of the Republic of Korea in September 1977. She quickly became a star amateur golfer during her time at school.
When did Se Ri Pak turn professional?
Se Ri Pak turned professional in 1996, before her 20th birthday. She had already won six times on the LPGA Tour of Korea before turning professional, and she would go on to win twice more in her first year on Tour as a pro.
How many major titles has Se Ri Pak won?
During her career, Pak won five major championships. She was victorious at the LPGA Championship (now Women’s PGA Championship) on three occasions, along with success at the US Women’s Open and the Women’s British Open (now AIG Women’s Open). Those wins were part of a career that saw her claim victory 39 times worldwide.
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Did you Know?
The 20-Hole Playoff
To win the 1998 US Women’s Open, Pak had to play a total of 92 holes at Blackwolf Run. She had a chance to win the tournament at the 72nd hole, but her birdie putt missed. Pak then faced Jenny Chausiriporn in an 18-hole playoff, and the pair could still not be separated, which meant they went to sudden death. In the end, Pak won the championship at the second extra hole, meaning she had played 20 playoff holes, in addition to the 72 holes in regulation – making it the longest professional women’s tournament in golfing history.
100% Playoff Record
Pak featured in six playoffs during her LPGA Tour career, and was successful in all six of those. Two of them came in major championships, including the 20-hole playoff at the 1998 US Women’s Open.
Leader of the Pak?
When Pak joined the LPGA Tour in 1998, she was the only player from the Republic of Korea. Within a decade, there were almost 50. It is believed that Pak’s two major victories in her rookie season influenced the next generation of Korean girls to take up the sport.
Amateur Winner, Again and Again and Again
Despite still being an amateur between 1992 and 1995, Pak won six times on the LPGA Tour of Korea, including four victories in the 1995 season.
From Golf Star to TV Star
Following her retirement from the professional game in 2016, Pak has made a name for herself as a television personality. She has been either a host or regular member on many quiz shows and TV shows in Korea since her retirement.
Just how good was Se Ri Pak throughout her career? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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