Se Ri Park's Impact: White Bare Feet Ranked 4th Most Important Moment in Women's Golf History

Golf Digest, Leading American Golf Media, Conducts Survey
"Brought Hope to the People Amid Economic Crisis"

Se Ri Park's famous "barefoot fighting spirit" during her victory at the 1998 US Women's Open has been ranked as the fourth most important moment in the history of women's golf worldwide.

On May 1, Golf Digest, a leading American golf publication, announced its selection of the 20 most significant moments in women's golf history. The magazine explained, "We conducted a survey of golf experts to evaluate the most important moments by taking an in-depth look at the history of women's golf."

A scene of Se Ri Park hitting a trouble shot from a pond on the 18th hole during the 1998 US Women's Open playoff. Golf Magazine

Park's "barefoot fighting spirit" drew particular attention by being ranked fourth. During the playoff at the 1998 US Women's Open, Park found her ball in the grass near a water hazard. Without hesitation, she removed her socks and golf shoes, stepped barefoot into the pond, and pulled off a legendary trouble shot to save her ball. Park's bold play and composure as a 21-year-old LPGA rookie left a deep impression on many. She went on to save par, extended the match to a third playoff hole, and ultimately claimed victory.

This match gave great hope and courage to the people of South Korea, who were experiencing an economic crisis at the time, and had a significant impact on the rise of younger golfers known as "Se Ri Kids."

Golf Digest described this as "one of the most important moments in the history of Korean golf," emphasizing that Park's "barefoot fighting spirit" brought hope to the Korean people even amid economic hardship.

Meanwhile, the founding of the LPGA Tour in 1950 was ranked as the most significant moment overall. Second place went to the enactment of Title IX in the United States in 1972. Title IX is a law that expanded higher education opportunities for women and promoted female participation in school sports, enabling countless women golfers to develop into world-class athletes. Third place was awarded to Annika Sorenstam of Sweden for competing in a men's PGA Tour event in 2003.

Among other Korean players, Inbee Park's achievement of a career Grand Slam in 2015 was ranked 17th. Park became the seventh player to achieve a career Grand Slam, joining Louise Suggs (1957), Mickey Wright (1962), Pat Bradley (1986), Juli Inkster (1999), Karrie Webb (2001), and Annika Sorenstam (2003). In addition, Korean-New Zealander Lydia Ko's accomplishment of reaching world number one at the age of 17 in 2015 was ranked 20th.