Husband and 'Good Shot' Park In-bee "Will Take Daughter to Golf"
"It didn't fit when I practiced, but I think it was because I kept studying it, so I just tried to hit it comfortably, haha." (Inbee Park)
"I'm worried because I've only been on the field five times this year. I'll have to do well...." (Nam Ki-hyop)
Match 30, Anseong Benest Golf Club (Par 72). 'Golf Empress' Park In-bee and her husband, coach Nam Ki-hyeop, stood on the tee box together for the first time in a long time. It was the couple's first round together in public since Park gave birth in April. She was "half excited and half worried," but that was a mistake. They enjoyed the day with cool shots against a clear fall sky. It was an added bonus that the couple became even closer.
Park In-bee and Nam Ki-hyeop played 18 holes in a combined event at Dunlop Sports Korea's Jexio Father & Son Team Classic 2023, where fathers and sons compete in two-man teams. The tournament, which began in 2016 and is now in its seventh year, attracted 120 father and son golfers from 60 teams who were selected against a 4-to-1 odds. The tournament aims to create unforgettable memories between fathers and sons, and Park In-bee and Nam Ki-hyeop had a unique opportunity to play alongside their best friend, golfer Choi Na-yeon, and his brother, Choi Chang-hwan.
The couple, who married in October 2014 and welcomed their first child in April after more than nine years, admitted that they are enjoying the fun of parenting. "I'm living a life I never imagined (while touring)," Park InBee said, adding, "My daughter is so beautiful and adorable. I'm happy these days," she smiled broadly. Coach Nam also said, "My daughter is just lovely and beautiful. She looks like my wife and me," he said.
When asked if she plans to raise her daughter as a golfer, Park In-bee said, "If there is a mother-daughter tournament, we can play together." "I would love to have her play golf," she said. Coach Nam also said, "It's nice to see a young student and his father playing together. I think it's a great way for families to bond together," he said. 안전토토사이트
Along with the fun of parenting comes the longing for the field. "I've only played four or five rounds since giving birth," Park said before the round. The first time I played, the ball went well, but the second and third times it didn't go so well. My confidence kept dropping," she said, adding, "I think I need to take lessons again."
Due to the two-person team play and the nature of the event, the outcome of the competition, which is a mix of best team score and the Father & Son Stableford method, did not matter much. On the day, Park was all smiles after playing his first 18-hole round in a long time. "I didn't play well on the first nine holes, so my husband helped me like a 'hard carry' (a person with superior skill leading to victory). I had fun while learning from him." Coach Nam also said, "My role is 'supporter'. It was the most fun I've had in a long time," she laughed. Park In-bee, who is preparing to challenge for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission next year, said, "I think it will be a bit difficult to return next year.
Also participating in the tournament were Kim Ha-neul and her father, Kim Jong-hyun, who retired in 2021. Kim, who participated with her father for the second year in a row, had a meaningful time playing her first round since her brother and sister-in-law had a baby boy the day before, giving her a nephew. "My dad and I got along better than last year. I hope the tournament will last for more than 10 years and I can come out with my sister and nephew in the future."
The quality of the tournament has also improved over the seven years. "We've seen an increase in the number of participants who have become fathers and brought their sons, who are now in elementary and middle school, along for the ride," said a Dunlop Sports Korea representative. The 'rich' participants had a chance to bond with each other through various events. Various awards, including longest, near list, and best pose, added to the fun. In addition, the proceeds from the sale of love mulligan coupons issued on the day were donated to Good Neighborhoods.
Mr. Soon-Sung Hong, CEO of Dunlop Sports Korea, said, "We valued the idea of creating a tournament that presents a time for father and son to laugh together through golf, the best sport for generational communication. I want to create unforgettable moments with my precious father and son." "We will continue to evolve so that everyone can enjoy golf happily regardless of age and gender, and strive to establish ourselves as a brand that leaves better memories than good records through advanced service and customer satisfaction," said Jexio.