Where is Inbee Park?
It’s not a question fans or media have often had to ask at season’s end, a quick glance at the money list or any of the Tour’s season long point standings and Park could easily be found at the top. As the season’s biggest honors were handed out, Park was a fixture - twice earning the money title and Vare Trophy as well as Rolex Player of the Year honors. But for the first time in four years, Park is noticeably absent from this year’s season ending chase to pick up the Tour’s most coveted hardware.
As much as 2016 has been filled with the highest of highs for Park – securing her place in the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame and capturing Olympic gold – it hasn’t been without its fair share of lows. From the season’s start she has dealt with injuries, withdrawing from the season opening Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic with a back injury, only to be nagged by a lingering left thumb injury that forced her to miss the second half of the 2016 season. As she continues rehab, which included wearing a cast for four weeks following the Olympics rather than undergoing surgery, Park has opted to skip this week’s title defense in Mexico as well as the season ending CME Group Tour Championship.
“Currently, my thumb injury has shown positive improvements,” Park told LPGA.com via email. “ I’m very careful about my thumb conditions and have decided if possible not to play any events for this 2016 season. My main goal before next season is to become in full condition to play the 2017 season.”
Park hasn’t played competitively on the LPGA Tour since June when she missed the cut at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She took off the next two months before making the trip to Rio, where shocked the golfing world by winning gold in her return to competitive golf. Park was next seen wearing a cast, bringing into question her decision to play at all.
“I don’t think it affected injury significantly, but with the six weeks prior practice beforehand didn’t help either,” Park said. “But progress is very positive.”
The upside of being sidelined for the better half of a year has afforded Park the opportunity to spend time at home in Korea, something she’s hardly done since joining the Tour in 2007. “Can’t remember when was the last time I’ve spent this long of a time in one place, it’s a great feeling!!” Park emailed.
Although Park hasn’t been playing, she hasn’t strayed far from the course, telling LPGA.com she made her first on-air appearance as a golf commentator during the KB Financial Star Championship, who also sponsors Park’s KLPGA event. “It was a special moment for me,” Park said about her broadcast experience.
She’s also preparing for her upcoming duties as host later in November in Busan at the ING Life Champions Trophy Invited by Inbee Park.
“This event is being organized to celebrate my induction to the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame and winning the gold medal in Rio Olympics. Therefore, I’m happily putting my efforts to successfully host the event.”
With all the success the 17-time LPGA Tour winner has had in her career and even during this injury shortened season, rumors of Park’s impending retirement seem unfounded. Park has already set her sights on 2017, telling LPGA.com she hopes to return to the Tour in February in Thailand where she won in 2013.
“I totally miss being out on the golf course with all fellow players. I want to come back ASAP but I am being extra careful with the injury,” Park said. “I hope to come back on the course in good condition early next year, but our team carefully choose what event is best to come back when I’m physically ready.”
Where is Inbee Park?
Preparing for 2017.
)
)
)
)
