Korean women and golf...

Pak's success 10 years ago began a Korean avalanche

Mark Lyons, Getty Images

Se Ri Pak became mentor and role model for all the young Koreans who have followed her since she won the U.S. Women's Open 10 years ago.

By MARK CRAIG, Star Tribune

Last update: June 23, 2008 - 7:06 AM

Se Ri Pak had just bogeyed the 15th hole during the first round of this year's Kraft Nabisco Championship when Yesong Han, a 13-year-old from Yuma, Ariz., sheepishly approached with Sharpie in one hand, golf ball in the other.

Like many young girls of Korean descent, Han idolizes the South Korean woman who 10 years ago turned an entire country into golf fanatics by winning the U.S. Women's Open as a 20-year-old rookie.

"Se Ri," said Han, "is golf."

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