Two Wins in Korea, One in the U.S. Before Retiring in 2021
Successful Coaching of Yoo Hyunjo, Ko Jiwoo, and Lim Heejung
Emphasizing Fundamentals and Prioritizing Communication with Players
Actively Recommending Overseas Challenges for Juniors as
It is a complete transformation. She has returned from being a top athlete to becoming a top coach. This is the story of An Sihyun, famously known as the 'mom golfer.' In an interview with The Asia Business Daily on November 13, she said, "It seems that this new job suits me well," and added with a big smile, "I'm glad I chose to coach my juniors."
An Sihyun is the original 'Cinderella.' She secured a direct ticket to the United States by winning the CJ Nine Bridges Classic on the LPGA Tour held in Korea in 2003. Although she did not win in her first year, she consistently finished in the top 10 and was named LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
In 2013, An Sihyun returned to the domestic stage through the KLPGA Tour qualifying tournament, resuming her career in Korea in 2014. On the KLPGA Tour, she claimed her first victory at the 2004 MBC·Xcanvas Women's Open, and demonstrated her strength by winning the national title at the 30th Korea Women's Open, sponsored by Kia Motors, in 2016. At that time, she posted an even-par 288, beating Park Sunghyun by one stroke (Park finished at one-over-par 289).
An Sihyun left the field in June 2021. She chose the 35th Korea Women's Open, sponsored by DB Group, as her retirement tournament. Her physical condition was not perfect when she decided to end her playing career. An Sihyun said, "When I was tired, I would feel dizzy and lose my sense of balance. I started to notice a decline in my performance." She continued, "As the courses got longer, things became much more difficult. I also went through tough times physically. Looking back now, I think retiring was the right decision. I am happy living a new life as a coach," she said with a smile.
An Si-hyun reached the top at the 30th Korea Women's Open, sponsored by Kia Motors, in 2016. Photo by KLPGA
Since last year, An Sihyun has been fully committed to her path as a coach. Although she is now eligible to play on the KLPGA Champions (Senior) Tour, she has no intention of returning as a player. She said, "I feel a sense of joy while coaching my juniors. I teach them with a mother's heart. When their skills improve and they share their victories with me, it feels as if I have won myself. I find a lot of fulfillment as a coach."
Her star pupils include Yoo Hyunjo, who topped both the Player of the Year and scoring average rankings on this year's KLPGA Tour, as well as Lim Heejung, Ko Jiwoo, Park Bokyeom, and Park Yeji. "I give them advice whenever I have time," An Sihyun said. "I teach them about the short game, approach shots, putting, and course management."
An Sihyun has developed Yoo Hyunjo into a top-tier player, guiding her to win the Rookie of the Year award last year and to achieve back-to-back victories at the major tournament KB Financial Star Championship this year. Yoo Hyunjo is the first in KLPGA Tour history to win a major as a rookie and then claim the same title again the following year. Yoo Hyunjo expressed her gratitude, saying, "I still lack skills in putting and approach shots. I am learning a lot from Coach An Sihyun." An Sihyun also praised Yoo Hyunjo, saying, "She truly has many strengths" and "She is very receptive to advice."
There is something An Sihyun always emphasizes to her players: "Stay true to the fundamentals." She stressed, "Without a solid foundation, you cannot move on to the next level." She also praised the boldness of the new generation of players. "Young athletes speak up without hesitation and ask questions right away if they're curious. They tend to express their honest opinions. In fact, it's easier to communicate with them. I could be wrong sometimes, and I also learn from my students through open discussions."
She explained the importance of physical conditioning. "If you set too demanding a schedule, it can lead to aftereffects. You have to manage your stamina well," she advised, adding, "Focusing on courses and tournaments that suit your style is also a good strategy." She encouraged her juniors to pursue opportunities overseas. An Sihyun said, "The younger you are, the better it is to take on new challenges. My experience on the LPGA Tour became a valuable asset in the end," and advised, "I recommend challenging yourself while you are young. There is no guarantee of success, but you can also grow through failure."
An Si-hyun said he wants to become a coach who communicates well with young players. Photo by No Rae
An Sihyun also analyzed the recent dominance of Japanese women's golf. Japanese players have combined for a tour-high seven wins on the LPGA Tour this year. Super rookie Yamashita Miyu has claimed two victories, including a major, and currently leads the Rookie of the Year points race. She is also ranked second in Player of the Year and CME points, and third on the money list. An Sihyun said, "In Japan, they have followed the American system for a long time. The course setups are very similar to those in the United States," adding, "The turf, green speed, and course length have all improved to the point where they can host world-class tournaments."
She hopes that an environment will be created where juniors can play comfortably. In particular, she pointed out that players who return to Korea after competing on the LPGA Tour need support from the association. It is realistically difficult for them to regain their playing status through the qualifying tournament. An Sihyun said, "Players who have competed overseas want to finish their golf careers on a high note back home. For the development of the tour, I hope the association will come up with good solutions," she concluded.
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