BMW LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

October 20, 2021

Sung Hyun Park

LPGA International Busan

Press Conference

Q. Welcome back to Busan for the BMW Ladies Championship. It's definitely different than it was in 2019, but what does it feel like to be back at this tournament for the first time in two years?

SUNG HYUN PARK: Actually, I was not here in 2019, so it's my first time here. And the weather is great, and the course looks great. So I think that I'll be able to really enjoy my game.

And I'm really excited for the first event.

Q. I believe you've been back home for a little bit before this tournament, correct? What was that like for you as you geared up for this event here in Busan this week?

SUNG HYUN PARK: So I came to Korea a couple of weeks ago, and I took part in one KLPGA event, and I had a one-week break. So that's four weeks of tournaments, and one week off.

And during my week off, I tried to get myself into that positive mentality and momentum. And so going through today and yesterday, going out to the course, you know, I can really get -- I really feel those positive vibes. And so that's good, and also having taken the break is also good.

Q. What are your first impressions of LPGA International Busan, and how do you think the course will fit your game this week?

SUNG HYUN PARK: I thought it was my first time on this course, but I think I was here back in 2013, 2014. And going through the course, I could feel myself remember little bits and parts about the course. So it felt slightly familiar.

I think when you're hitting into the wind on this course, it actually feels longer than it actually is. So I was quite surprised when I took a look at the winning score in 2019, it was quite low.

So I think that really motivated me to really try my best during the next four days.

Q. When you were back here in 2013, you say, was that for fun, or was it for an event?

SUNG HYUN PARK: It was a KLPGA event, and I was invited to the event.

Q. Your fan base is notable. We've seen it all over the world. But what does it mean to you to be back in your home country, as you were a few weeks ago competing on the KLPGA, and now back in the only LPGA Tour event in Korea this year?

SUNG HYUN PARK: Obviously the fans can't come out here. So it's been slightly different from being able to play and meeting the fans in person.

But I have a lot of support that is being relayed toward me through the Internet and through the blogs and the websites, and when I was in the KLPGA event two weeks ago, I also had a lot of support from my fans.

So I think although I can't meet them directly and physically, just being here in Korea, I can really feel their support.

Q. You talked about a positive mindset earlier that that week off gave you, those positive vibes. What is your favorite part about coming back home, and how does that instill you with confidence heading into a week like this?

SUNG HYUN PARK: It's home, so I feel completely comfortable and literally at home.

In the States, I experience language barriers, and I have to say I don't feel completely at home and sometimes I miss Korea.

I think being here in Korea, having to meet my family and friends and also being able to stay home, although that time is not that long, just having that experience itself, it has such a strong impact.

Q. There have been now 199 wins on the LPGA Tour by Korean players, quite a few of them by yourself over the last few years. What do you think that means as to the development of players from Korea as they have come through the LPGA Tour in the last couple of decades?

SUNG HYUN PARK: Actually, I did not know that. So I just found out. And all of a sudden the seven wins that I contributed seem all the more significant.

And I think that this just shows a contribution of the players before me and their wins, and I think that has increased or enhanced the standing of Korean golf players, especially in the LPGA Tour.

I think myself and my fellow golf players, Korean golf players are following in the footsteps of the players before me, and I really feel proud of myself and also my fellow Korean golf players.

I think I just hope that we can go beyond the 200 to even bigger numbers, and I can say that I will do my part to get us through those numbers.