Grace Park

Grace Park, was born Ji Eun Park, on March 6, 1979, in Seoul Korea. When she was young she won the National Championship in Speed Skating. At age 8 she began golfing. She was the AJGA All American from 1992-1997. While attending Arizona State University, she was the Player of the Year and All American, in 1998. In 1998 she became the first amateur since 1938 to win all the major amateur tournaments in one year. She also won The U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the Rolex Eleanor Dudley College Player of the year, in 1998.

Grace finished 8th in the U.S. Open, in 1999, while setting a new record for the lowest score for an amateur. In 1999, she finished second in the Safeway tournament. Continuing her winning streak, in 2000 she was Rookie of the Year on the LPGA, and in 2001 she finished second. She won the LPGA in 2000, 2001, and 2002. She had the Most Top Ten Seasons, with 19, in 2003. In 2004 Grace won the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the Best Score (61) in the Welch’s/Fry’s Championship, Best Scoring Average for a year, 69.99, second in the Best Season Money, and won the Vare Trophy for low scoring average.

Known for long drives and competitiveness she stared out strong in her career only to have injuries slow her progress. Due to continued injuries to her ribs, back, and neck, her worst season as a pro was in in 2005. In 2006 she was forced to bow out of the US Women’s Open.

Grace Park has made her home in Phoenix, Arizona. She still enjoys the speed skating she excelled in as a child.