‘Rookie’ Yoo Hae-ran "The Opening Day of My First Tournament Is My Birthday"

Debut at Drive On Championship on 23rd
Jet Lag Adjusted "Expecting Good Results"

The excitement of 'LPGA rookie' Yoo Hae-ran (photo).

On the 22nd (Korean time), at the official press conference for the LPGA Tour Drive On Championship (total prize money $1.75 million) held at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club (par 72, 6,526 yards) in Gold Canyon, Arizona, USA, Yoo Hae-ran said with a smile, "The first tournament will be held on March 23, which coincidentally is my birthday," adding, "I really want to finish well." Yoo Hae-ran qualified at the top of the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series last year and advanced to the U.S. stage.

- How do you feel ahead of your debut?

▲ Since it is the first tournament, it will have various meanings. I am practicing hard and trying to adapt. I hope to receive a lot of support from Korea as well.

- You must be nervous.

▲ Everyone is the same since we are all human. Still, since it is the first tournament and also my birthday week, the feelings are more special than usual.

- When did you come to the U.S.?

▲ About two weeks ago. I have taken care of the things I needed to do since coming here.

- How about food, environment, and adjusting to the time difference?

▲ I think I have somewhat adjusted to the time difference. (smiling) I like foods such as bread and hamburgers.

- Have you received any advice from Korean players?

▲ Not particularly. I just greet the older players, and they ask me, "How is it? Do you like it?" and I answer, "I don't know yet."

- What did you prepare during the off-season?

▲ I felt that my distance was lacking a lot. I worked hard to increase my distance. I also practiced a lot of approach shots around the green. It is not perfect yet, but I plan to practice more so that I can drop the ball exactly where I want.