16 Years of Golf, Retirement in April for True Rest
Ballet, Travel, Staying Home, Commentary to Recharge Energy
Chatting at ‘V157’ Gathering: “I’m So Happy”
Dreaming of Course Designer Role for Korea Golf Development
"It has already been five months."
Lee Bo-mi, Yoo So-yeon, Kim Ha-neul, and Park In-bi (from left) are enjoying a pleasant time on a recent trip to Jeju. [Photo by Yoo So-yeon Instagram]
This is what So-yeon Yoo said after her retirement match at the Chevron Championship, a major tournament on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour last April. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 27th, she smiled and said, "I am really resting hard. I feel like I have used up all my energy. Rather than trying to do something, I am focusing everything on rest." She has been spending busy days even after retirement. Yoo So-yeon, who said, "I do ballet three times a week. I am also working hard on weight training," laughed brightly, adding, "I attend events, study English, and staying at home ‘Bangkok’ is also fun."
Yoo So-yeon has been diligently learning ballet since her retirement. [Photo by Yoo So-yeon Instagram]
She ran tirelessly for the past 16 years. While playing on tours worldwide, she collected 21 championship trophies. In 2006, when she was in middle school, she participated in the Doha Asian Games and won gold medals in both individual and team events. On the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, she accumulated 10 wins from her rookie year in 2008 until 2020. She entered the LPGA Tour by winning the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open and claimed the top spot six times. In 2017, she also held the world No. 1 ranking. She became the champion of national title tournaments in five countries: the U.S. Women’s Open, Korean Women’s Open, Japan Women’s Open, Canadian Women’s Open, and China Women’s Open. "I was really busy without a break. Time seems to have passed quickly," she said, adding, "I worked hard to achieve my dreams. I learned a lot through golf. I have no regrets."
Right after retirement, Yoo So-yeon became a ‘party girl.’ She received congratulations and encouragement from acquaintances. These days, she spends a lot of time with her family, choosing peaceful rest. "When I was an athlete, I lived a planned life. Even a short break felt like a waste. After retirement, I enjoy the leisure of mornings. I brew coffee and clean the room," she said.
Yoo So-yeon is smiling brightly during an interview with Asia Economy in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu. Photo by Noh Woo-rae
She has a favorite gathering she often attends. It is ‘V157,’ formed in November 2019. Members include In-bee Park, Ha-neul Kim, Ji-ae Shin, Bo-mi Lee, and Na-yeon Choi. At the time of forming the group, the members’ combined wins were 157, hence the name ‘V157.’ Yoo So-yeon said, "Being with the older sisters gives me a lot of strength. Since we do the same work, I can get help when I have worries." Recently, she met ‘mom golfers’ such as Hee-won Han, Ji-young Lee, and In-bee Park. In-bee Park’s due date is November 8. Like her first child, this one is also a princess. "The married older sisters looked so happy. Their nieces and nephews were so cute. I think I now understand why people get married and have children."
Yoo So-yeon is smiling at the Chevron Championship, an LPGA Tour major tournament, which was her retirement match last April.
Yoo So-yeon does not plan to have her children play golf even after having a second child. "I think having one golf player is enough. Enrolling children in arts and sports requires parental sacrifice," she explained, adding, "I felt the atmosphere at home change because of my golf results. I think it is best to let children do what they want."
Yoo So-yeon is active as a golf commentator. She chose this to gain diverse experiences. She plans to commentate on four LPGA Tour events this year. In July, she received favorable reviews for her commentary at the Dana Open, based on her rich player experience. Yoo So-yeon said, "I want to provide commentary that highlights the golf players," adding, "I will act as a bridge so that interest in golf does not decline."
As a senior, she also gave advice to juniors. "Our country’s players are capable and have potential. It is too bad for them to stay only domestically," she said, adding, "KLPGA Tour players are not challenging the LPGA Tour as much because domestic conditions have improved. If they don’t go abroad, they will gradually lose their edge. I hope they challenge the big stage." She also asked for encouragement for juniors struggling on the U.S. stage. "Our players are really working hard. Some criticize them for not trying, but that is absolutely not true. If people around them encourage them, I believe they will show good performances again."
Yoo So-yeon has a special love for golf. She is very interested in expanding the golf base. "Changing golf-related systems is not easy," she said firmly, "but someone has to work hard for a better golf environment." She expressed her thoughts, saying, "Golf as a profession is very attractive. I want to do related work," but added, "I have no plans to give lessons. I want to do something for the development of the golf world." She dreams of becoming a course designer in the future. "If I get the chance, I want to design courses. Foreign friends often ask me, ‘Where is good for a golf trip in Korea?’ but I couldn’t clearly recommend a golf course then. I want to create excellent golf courses and promote Korean golf."
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