Victory in 5 Regular Tour Events 'Rising Star'
Equipped with a Maximum 320-Yard Long Drive, Popular for Powerful Play
Role Model Ko Jin-young, Ultimate Goal is World No. 1
Bang Shin-sil is the hottest player on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. She became the first rookie winner of the season at the E1 Charity Open, which ended on May 28. This victory came just five tournaments after her debut this year. She also set a record for reaching 200 million KRW in prize money in the fewest tournaments ever. Previously, players like Choi Hye-jin, Cho A-yeon, and Park Min-ji had surpassed 200 million KRW after six tournaments. The 'rising star' Bang Shin-sil told Asia Economy on the 5th, "It's amazing to be this popular. Even when I go to restaurants, many people recognize me. It feels a bit like being a celebrity," but she also promised, "While I enjoy the attention, I am also cautious. I will work hard to show even better performances."
'Rising star' Bang Sin-sil expressed her ambitious aspiration, saying, "After gaining recognition on the domestic stage, I will advance to the United States and reach world No. 1 in the rankings."
Bang Shin-sil started playing golf as a hobby at the age of seven. She represented the national team for three years starting in 2020. In March last year, she achieved the best result among Korean players by tying for 8th place at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. During her amateur days, Bang Shin-sil was invited to KLPGA Tour events, but after turning professional this year, she was not able to participate frequently because she ranked 40th in last year's qualifying tournament, earning a 'partial tour card.' Bang Shin-sil said, "My friends and seniors who were on the national team with me are all playing on the regular tour, but I was unfortunately left out, which was disappointing," and added, "I struggled a lot mentally because I wanted to get onto the regular tour." With her win at the E1 Charity Open, Bang Shin-sil secured her tour card through 2025.
Bang Shin-sil is known as the 'long drive queen.' This year, her average driving distance is 261.90 yards, ranking first. She explained, "My arms and legs are long. I have a big swing arc, so the ball goes far." Standing 173 cm tall and with a fast swing speed, she can easily drive the ball up to 300 yards. At the major KLPGA Championship sponsored by Chris F&C in April, she hit a maximum drive of 320 yards. During winter training in Thailand, Bang Shin-sil focused on increasing her driving distance. She said, "During the two and a half months of training camp, I did speed training for an hour and a half each morning, noon, and evening," and introduced, "Thanks to that, my distance increased by about 20 yards." She described the speed training as "practicing to increase swing speed by swinging a weighted swing training tool vigorously." Bang Shin-sil also started correcting her swing simultaneously, changing from a two-plane swing to a one-plane swing. When asked if she plans to increase her distance further, she replied, "I need to improve accuracy more than distance." She advised weekend golfers who want longer drives, "Weighted swings are important. You need to swing hard to increase speed."
As a 'partial tour card holder,' Bang Shin-sil has been flying high on the first division tour. She placed 4th at the KLPGA Championship and 3rd at last month's NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, competing for the title in every tournament she entered. However, she was missing just 2%. Bang Shin-sil said, "It was my first time playing in the final group. The psychological pressure was tremendous," and added, "Although I didn't win, I felt like I became stronger. I thought about it positively." Also, the Dream (second division) tour and the regular tour courses were different. Bang Shin-sil said, "The greens were hard and fast," and "It was tough at first, but I gradually adapted." After playing in the final group three times in the past month, she achieved her first victory. She added, "Playing in the final group helped a lot. Experience seems to be important."
Bang Shin-sil's goal is to become a player without fluctuations. She smiled and said, "I want to perform consistently well," and "I want to be a player who is remembered for a long time." When there are no tournaments, she makes pottery and paints at an academy near her home. Bang Shin-sil said, "I really enjoy this time. It feels healing." Her role model is world No. 1 Ko Jin-young. "She seemed mentally strong since she was young," Bang said, "Her hardworking practice at the top level always stood out. I want to emulate her diligence." Bang Shin-sil also watches many swing videos of the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) whenever she has time.
Bang Shin-sil has been taking the tour by storm early in the season. She ranks first in average score (70.08) and greens in regulation percentage (79.63%), 8th in prize money (27.889 million KRW), 7th in overall points (146 points), and 3rd in rookie points (651 points). Bang Shin-sil said, "I am still lacking. I want to consistently finish in the top 10 in every upcoming tournament," and added, "There are many great players right now. I want to put aside my desire for Rookie of the Year and do my best in every tournament." Bang Shin-sil was selected for the Hangzhou Asian Games team last year but had to give up participation due to the one-year postponement caused by COVID-19. "It was very disappointing. I had no choice because I was turning professional," she said. Bang Shin-sil smiled brightly and said, "If I have the skills, I want to play on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and become world No. 1. I ask for lots of support at the tournaments."
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