Inbee Park has spent 106 weeks as the Rolex Rankings No. 1 in her pro career, but has not held the top position since July 29, 2018. Following her win on Sunday at the Kia Classic, she’s knocking on the doorstep.
It’s an easy add to her list of goals, especially since it aligns with her primary objective: representing the Republic of Korea at the Tokyo Olympic Games in August.
“I really haven’t thought about being No. 1, but to qualify for the Olympics, being No. 1 definitely helps a lot,” said Park, who moved up two spots to No. 2 after stepping into the winner’s circle for the 21st time in her LPGA Tour career three days ago. “I guess that would be a big yes [to focusing on it more].”
A seven-time major championship winner, most recently at the 2015 AIG Women’s Open, Park owns 11 top-10 finishes across her last 20 major championship starts since that victory. Beyond the Rolex Rankings and the Olympics, there are other grand ambitions for the LPGA Hall of Fame member, starting this week in Rancho Mirage, Calif., with golf’s first major in 2021.
“Playing good in majors is a big focus of my season,” Park said. “I haven’t won a major in a while, so hopefully this year could be the one. I have come close a few times, but my putting wasn’t exactly there. That is part of the game I am really trying to improve a little bit. I’m trying to get back to where I was, in 2013-2015, that area. I think that is something that I have been missing.”
Park begins her quest for a second consecutive win off the first tee at 12:33 p.m. PT tomorrow. She will be joined by Jin Young Ko, the current Rolex Rankings No. 1, and Stacy Lewis, another former World No. 1.
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