Inbee Park eyes historic golf grand slam

South Korean woman, Inbee Park is on track to become the first golf player in the history of the sport, male or female, to win four majors in a single season.

Inbee Park of South Korea holds the 2013 Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the 2013 U.S. Women's Open golf championship at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton

Inbee Park of South Korea holds the 2013 Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the 2013 U.S. Women's Open golf championship at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton



All eyes are on the 25 year old as she attempts to extends her winning streak of three majors this season to include the British Open this week, and in doing so achieving the game's holy grail.

The world's number 1 is one of only three women and two men to ever accomplish three straight major wins. Tiger Woods in 2000, won three, plus the following US Open but not in a calendar year. I

Following Park's victories at the Kraft Nabisco, LPGA Championship and US Open, the addition of a first British Open would rewrite history.

"It is nice to be back here in Scotland with three major victories," said the 25-year-old from Seoul.

"There is a lot of pressure and everyone is talking about me trying to make it four in a row. But I'm getting used to it and once I am on the course I only think about golf." she added.

Park spent last week back home in South Korea - and there was plenty of evidence of the rewards of her success.

Not only was she the centre of fans' attention but she was also handed the keys to a red Ferrari.

"I've been given it for a year," she said before returning her focus back to golf.

"I feel as though I've already played two different golf courses.

"Yesterday (Monday), there was no wind. Today (Tuesday) was really windy and wet and it was completely different.

"I have great memories of 2007. It was my first year on Tour and Lorena Ochoa won the title. At that time, she was the best player in the world." she said of the retired Mexican.

Park is known as a cool customer in the heat of battle and she admits that she is good at keeping her emotions in check.

She has also learned over the years. It was in 2008 that she made her first big breakthrough with a win as a teenager in the US Women's Open.

But it took until last year's Evian Masters in France before she collected her second LPGA title.

"I was only 19 when I won that first major and I wasn't experienced" she reflected.

"I needed a few more years to get used to everything associated with being a top player.

"I've matured as a person and my swing has also improved - that's the difference over the past year or so."

If Park does win on Sunday, there remains debate over whether her four majors in 2013 can be classed as a Grand Slam.

This year, the Evian Masters has been upgraded to 'major' status for the first time and she will defend that title next month.

But the term doesn't really matter - four in a row would be an incredible achievement and having the chance to add a fifth would just add to the story.


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Source: AFP



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