As Inbee Park captured the Career Grand Slam last week at the RICOH Women’s British Open, we got to thinking back to when Park began this major quest. It all started back in 2008, her second year on Tour, when she made her presence known with her first win and first major victory at the U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club. It was a moment that left Park feeling overwhelmed.
“I feel very, very happy,” the South Korean said after her victory. “Really don't know what's happening right now. I have no idea what's happening right now. I am very honored to win this championship as a first win for my career. And hopefully there will be a lot more coming up. But I'm very honored and this is a very special tournament for me and I won't forget this moment.”
Here’s a look back at what else was happening in the game of golf and around the world in 2008.
Ochoa Has Record Season on Tour
With seven wins on Tour in 2007, Lorena Ochoa dominated the season, clinching her third consecutive Player of the Year honors, Vare Trophy, money title and became the fastest to earn $1 million dollars in one season in just five events. That year she also began hosting her annual Tour event, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico, which was particularly emotional for the tournament host.
“It was not about golf, it was about everything we've achieved outside the golf course,” said Ochoa. “Having so many fans, and the response from the public, you know, the professionals that were there, they had a great time. Hopefully they pass that, you know, and we'll see them, you know, next year, too. It was just a great week. It was a gift for everybody, you know that I wanted to share with everybody. Like I say, it was very emotional. “
Pressel Wins Again
Morgan Pressel won her second event on the LPGA Tour at the Kapalua LPGA Classic, defeating Suzann Pettersen by one stroke. It was her first victory since capturing the then titled Kraft Nabisco Championship the year before when she became the youngest player to win a major championship at 18 years, 10 months and 9 days old.
“I've certainly had my struggles and my troubles since my first win at the Kraft,” Pressel said. “That was more of a surprise than anything, I guess you could say, coming from behind the last three or four holes. That came a little bit quicker. I mean, here I am, sleeping on the lead I didn't sleep too well last night.”
Sorenstam Says Farewell
Annika Sorenstam won for the 72nd and final time on the LPGA Tour at the 2008 Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill where she won by seven strokes. It was one of three victories that season for the Swede who stepped away from the game at the end of the year, not wanting to use the word “retirement.”
“I'm not using the R-word for many reasons,” said Sorenstam. “If you know me well, I mean, I have a lot of other things to do. So I'm going to be quite busy the next coming years. That's why I'm excited. It's another chapter of my life, new challenges. And I've enjoyed it immensely out here. And obviously achieved a lot more than I ever thought I could. So the game will always be with me. You know, if I get the urge to practice again and the motivation to go out there and grind and compete again, I know the door is open. So if that's two years from now, five years or if it never happens, I really don't know.”
On the PGA Tour, Harrington Continues Major Victory Lap
Padraig Harrington was on a roll coming into the 2008 season, having won the 2007 Open Championship he followed that up with two more major victories in 2008 by defending his title at the Open and following that up with his third major championship at the 2008 PGA Championship.
In Other News…
Barack Obama was elected as the first African American president of the United States, Bryan Cranston won the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White in the popular series Breaking Bad, and Michael Phelps dominated the 2008 summer Olympics winning eight gold medals.
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