Passed KPGA Pro Qualifying at Age 60, Oldest Ever
"I Want to Give Hope to Those Going Through Tough Times Through This Challenge"
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] "The spirit of challenge knows no age. I hope many people find hope during these difficult times."
Heo Song (60), who passed the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) professional qualifying tournament as the oldest participant this year, said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 5th, "Honestly, I am at an age where I never thought about challenging to become a pro. This proves that if you don't give up on your dreams and work hard, you can achieve anything."
Only the top 50 can pass the KPGA professional qualifying tournament. Heo recorded 9 over par, easily surpassing the 50th place cutoff at 16 over par, and proudly became a pro. The qualifying tournament, open to those aged 17 and older, is mainly attended by teenage and twenties aspiring pros. All of them dream of becoming tour pros full-time with professional coaches. For Heo, who is short (162cm) and elderly, passing is close to a miracle.
Heo's main profession is a trot singer. Heo, who earned income through performances, fell into unemployment as various events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While going through hardships, he headed to his hometown in Gangwon-do for golf lessons, introduced by an acquaintance, with the intention of earning living expenses. His challenge to become a pro was also to stand proudly before those acquaintances who helped him financially.
Heo explained his motivation for the pro challenge: "I accidentally overheard an acquaintance explaining to a friend why I, despite being a teaching pro, charged expensive lesson fees. I felt very embarrassed and sorry. I wanted to become a tour pro to be proud in front of those who support me."
However, the wall of becoming a pro was high. Although he passed the preliminaries every time, he failed three consecutive times in the finals, and feelings of doubt about giving up the challenge overwhelmed him. But the support from those around him lifted Heo once again. Acquaintances pooled money little by little to support his living and training expenses and never stopped cheering him on.
Heo said, "Just because my name is Heo Song, I didn't want to waste my life. Every morning at 6 a.m., I rode a mountain bike for two hours and made training tools myself, trying not to be ashamed in front of those who helped me."
Luck also favored him in the qualifying tournament. A headwind of about nine clubs blew over the two days of the tournament. The biggest concern for Heo, who is elderly and short, was the distance issue. While aspiring pros usually have a driver distance of about 300 meters, his was only 260 meters.
Heo explained, "The bad weather actually helped. Because my distance was short, I had to hit one more stroke per hole, but the strong headwind put the younger players in a similar situation. I was lucky because I had a lot of round experience and confidence in my short game."
Now, Heo dreams of becoming a celebrity who roams the first division tour. Talents Ryu Yongjin and Hong Yoseop, comedian Choi Hongrim, and singer Lee Hunsung have all obtained KPGA pro qualifications, but none have played on the first division tour.
Heo said, "Realistically, I have many shortcomings to compete in the second division tour qualifiers. If I place within the top 60 twice or more in the senior tour, I will qualify to play in the first division tour. I will not lose my spirit of challenge and become the first celebrity-born pro to roam the first division tour."
At the end of the interview, Heo expressed his hope that his challenging spirit could be a source of hope for people going through difficult times. Heo emphasized, "I want to convey that if you work hard, you can definitely achieve anything. Regardless of age, I hope everyone does not lose their spirit of challenge and holds onto hope."
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