Korean Golf

[Moonlightgrm]

We need to learn what the Koreans are teaching.

We have many American Golf instructors getting much of the press in the golf magazines, etc... Based on the results of the LPGA Tour, we need to find out what the Korean instructors have to say about this great game. The level of skill and consistency coming from this area of the world has impressed me. Hours of dedicated practice are part of the equation, but I'd like to learn more about the type of instruction being delivered to these talented players. Does anyone have any knowledge of the formula used in Korean Golf, Japanese Golf, and Chinese Golf?

[psd]

I'm going to "bet" that the actual instruction / ballstriking portion is not very revolutionary. However, the cultural differences, which may not be perceived from a Western perspective as balanced, play a big part. I'm eager to learn from those in the know.

[LottaBalata]

Mom's Korean. . .I tend to pay alot of attention to the Korean players.

They get inspired easily. You have to understand one thing, South Korea is about the size of Indiana, its one of the most populated countries in the world as far as its size.

These young women on the LPGA from Korea that are doing well, were inspired as children when Se Ri Pak (????) I think that was her. . .that won the US Open back in98 or 99.

Now, Y.E. Yang, K.J. Choi, especially Choi. He's been around for awhile, winning some lately.

There's not much money in Korea. Poor country. They Want to get good at the game and get the heck out. They perservere, practice their butts off. Their work ethic is parallel to none.

Not a teaching method.

[mikpga]

I have a young Korean girl who is an incredible talent...

She, by far, has the best work/practice ethic than any other student I have ever taught...

Determined and disciplined...

She's succesful on a "national" level, and has had no "Korean" instruction...

If I could get most of my students to work half as hard as she does, they would see a significant improvement in their game...

[breakinpar]

[quote name='LottaBalata' timestamp='1310410179' post='3382448']
Mom's Korean. . .I tend to pay alot of attention to the Korean players.

They get inspired easily. You have to understand one thing, South Korea is about the size of Indiana, its one of the most populated countries in the world as far as its size.

These young women on the LPGA from Korea that are doing well, were inspired as children when Se Ri Pak (????) I think that was her. . .that won the US Open back in98 or 99.

Now, Y.E. Yang, K.J. Choi, especially Choi. He's been around for awhile, winning some lately.

There's not much money in Korea. Poor country. They Want to get good at the game and get the heck out. They perservere, practice their butts off. Their work ethic is parallel to none.

Not a teaching method.
[/quote]

[breakinpar]

13th rank GDP in the world is not consider a poor country.
Just out working our pussified kids

[smartpnoi]

[quote name='mikpga' timestamp='1310410444' post='3382460']
She, by far, has the best work/practice ethic than any other student I have ever taught...
[/quote]


Bingo! It may sound stereotypical, but many of the asian cultures preach hard work gets the job done. You excel if you really dedicate time and effort.

Basically, it takes discipline and passion, which in asian culture is almost a given. Once a person decides they have passion for it, they almost always give it 110%. It doesn't have to be something like golf, but video games can be like this (Starcraft). Or hot dog eating (Kobayashi, I know he's japanese, but he showed discipline and apparently found a new way to competitively eat so he can take in more hot dogs, which everybody is copying now). It doesn't matter how big or mundane the activity is. Once they have a passion, they go for it and strive to be the best.

[dk10]

[quote name='LottaBalata' timestamp='1310410179' post='3382448']
Mom's Korean. . .I tend to pay alot of attention to the Korean players.

They get inspired easily. You have to understand one thing, South Korea is about the size of Indiana, its one of the most populated countries in the world as far as its size.

These young women on the LPGA from Korea that are doing well, were inspired as children when Se Ri Pak (????) I think that was her. . .that won the US Open back in98 or 99.

Now, Y.E. Yang, K.J. Choi, especially Choi. He's been around for awhile, winning some lately.

[u]There's not much money in Korea. Poor country.[/u] They Want to get good at the game and get the heck out. They perservere, practice their butts off. Their work ethic is parallel to none.

Not a teaching method.
[/quote]

hahahhaha

This is the same country that gives us LG, Samsung, Kia and Hyundai - There's not much money in Korea, Poor country???

[mikpga]

She's 15, and probably puts in a minimum of 40 hours a week in to her game...

[Oldboy]

S korea is not a "poor" country by any stretch of the imagination. I agree with the general pussification of our youth having an effect on young american golf. Mere participation and Mediocrity should not be lauded with "youre a star" stickers and trophies for all.

[mk920]

[quote name='LottaBalata' timestamp='1310410179' post='3382448']
Mom's Korean. . .I tend to pay alot of attention to the Korean players.

They get inspired easily. You have to understand one thing, South Korea is about the size of Indiana, its one of the most populated countries in the world as far as its size.

These young women on the LPGA from Korea that are doing well, were inspired as children when Se Ri Pak (????) I think that was her. . .that won the US Open back in98 or 99.

Now, Y.E. Yang, K.J. Choi, especially Choi. He's been around for awhile, winning some lately.

There's not much money in Korea. Poor country. They Want to get good at the game and get the heck out. They perservere, practice their butts off. Their work ethic is parallel to none.

Not a teaching method.
[/quote]

Dude have you been to Korea??? You make it sound like Korea is a Third World Country. Korea is not poor. You are confusing the North and South bro. You need money to play golf in Korea because it is extremely expensive.

[smartpnoi]

Parents tend to be hard to impress when you grow up in an asian household. My cousin is currently getting an MBA right now, and yet, his parents don't seem totally impressed by it. It's a weird way to grow up, but trying to always impress your parents with your achievements is always a losing battle that we keep fighting. It seems to turn out to a motivation factor at times to strive to be better and achieve the highest of goals. It's that whole thing where asian parents "expect" their kids to get an A in school. It's not an achievement, it's a requirement.

E.G. conversation that I witnessed when I found out my cousin got into NYU.

Cousin: Mom, look I got into Business School!
Aunt: Really which one?
Cousin: My dream one, NYU!
Aunt: You should go to UPenn.
Cousin: Wait, what? I didn't apply to that...
Aunt: Why not? You need to set your priorities straight, but its too late now.
Cousin: ... are you kidding me?!

[smartpnoi]

[quote name='mk920' timestamp='1310412730' post='3382592']
Dude have you been to Korea??? You make it sound like Korea is a Third World Country. Korea is not poor. You are confusing the North and South bro. You need money to play golf in Korea because it is extremely expensive.
[/quote]

Yeah, most of the people come to my country of the Philippines to play because of the ridiculously cheap greens fees comparative to Korea.

[msean]

I think part of the reason you're seeing such an increase in Asian players at the top of the LPGA is that we're not doing a good job of motivating girls towards professional golf in the US.

[tembolo1284]

all the pretty, blonde, and leggy ones are going into tennis

[hoganfan924]

I've heard reports that the Korean's in particular are extremely focused on mastering technique, which is obvious when watching their top players. To the point where some of the Korean golf academies don't even allow beginners to strike a golf ball until many weeks into the program. They focus on developing a certain level of pre-swing fundamentals then move on to developing a swing motion and getting that to a certain level of proficiency before introducing a golf ball to strike. Since it is so expensive to actually play golf in Korea, many young students practice almost exclusively and consequently, are judged by the improvement in technique rather than scoring on a real golf course. Much like learning a martial art, I suspect. Combine all of that with intense parental pressure, the legendary Korean work ethic and the other cultural factors and there you go.

The swings of players like Ryu and Seo make most of the top American's look like chops, IMO.

Frankly, as far as professional sports, the LPGA tour was pretty easy pickings for a concerted effort to dominate by such a culture. The depth of fields 10-15 years ago was thin and the quality of play mediocre except for the top few players.

[deakanutz]

Not what they are teaching its their work ethic, They are home schooled and spend all day on the course practicing every day, USA girls don't have the same work ethic

[hoganfan924]

[quote name='mikpga' timestamp='1310412199' post='3382555']
She's 15, and probably puts in a minimum of 40 hours a week in to her game...
[/quote]

Mike, I'm curious to know how much of that time is on the practice tee & green vs. the golf course.

[ChipDriver]

Nothing wrong with method - our girls can all hit the ball.

There aren't similar lucrative and respectful opportunities for Korean women - the LPGA is seen as an escape from a male dominated culture...and acts as a pretty good incentive. US women have a better quality of life here in the US and have many more equally lucrative opportunities. In other words- the LPGA isn't that much better of an opportunity and doesn't offer as much of an incentive for the US IMO.

[kekoa]

All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!

[Par72]

Nothing wrong with method - our girls can all hit the ball.

 

There aren't similar lucrative and respectful opportunities for Korean women - the LPGA is seen as an escape from a male dominated culture...and acts as a pretty good incentive. US women have a better quality of life here in the US and have many more equally lucrative opportunities. In other words- the LPGA isn't that much better of an opportunity and doesn't offer as much of an incentive for the US IMO.

 

WHAT??!?!?!!?!?!?

 

 

 

[hoganfan924]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1310416761' post='3382771']
All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

[b]Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.[/b]

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!
[/quote]

Even sooner, ref. Angela Park, who is now working as a Hotel receptionist.

[deakanutz]

Agree, same here at my range there are multiple families of Asians with Mom and Dad just sitting behind their 10 year old watching and instructing for hours upon hours then onto the putting green, it is real sad. Now that school is out they are litterally there all day long.



[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1310416761' post='3382771']
All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!
[/quote]

[kekoa]

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1310416358' post='3382742']<br />Nothing wrong with method - our girls can all hit the ball.<br /><br />There aren't similar lucrative and respectful opportunities for Korean women - the LPGA is seen as an escape from a male dominated culture...and acts as a pretty good incentive.  US women have a better quality of life here in the US and have many more equally lucrative opportunities.  In other words- the LPGA isn't that much better of an opportunity and doesn't offer as much of an incentive for the US IMO.<br />[/quote]<br /><br /><br />

So I assume you Korean (woman) touring pro living in Korea right now?

[poops]

[quote name='hoganfan924' timestamp='1310416916' post='3382781']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1310416761' post='3382771']
All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

[b]Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.[/b]

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!
[/quote]

Even sooner, ref. Angela Park, who is now working as a Hotel receptionist.
[/quote]

And Mi Hyun Kim...

[psd]

[quote name='hoganfan924' timestamp='1310416916' post='3382781']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1310416761' post='3382771']
All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

[b]Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.[/b]

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!
[/quote]

Even sooner, ref. Angela Park, who is now working as a Hotel receptionist.
[/quote]

And references yesterday to some of the pressure Jiyai Shin's is apparently facing.

[Moonlightgrm]

[quote][color=#1C2837][size=2]I've heard reports that the Korean's in particular are extremely focused on mastering technique, which is obvious when watching their top players. To the point where some of the Korean golf academies don't even allow beginners to strike a golf ball until many weeks into the program. They focus on developing a certain level of pre-swing fundamentals then move on to developing a swing motion and getting that to a certain level of proficiency before introducing a golf ball to strike. Since it is so expensive to actually play golf in Korea, many young students practice almost exclusively and consequently, are judged by the improvement in technique rather than scoring on a real golf course. Much like learning a martial art, I suspect. Combine all of that with intense parental pressure, the legendary Korean work ethic and the other cultural factors and there you go.
The swings of players like Ryu and Seo make most of the top American's look like chops, IMO.

Frankly, as far as professional sports, the LPGA tour was pretty easy pickings for a concerted effort to dominate by such a culture. The depth of fields 10-15 years ago was thin and the quality of play mediocre except for the top few players.
[color=#8E8E8E][size=2][/size][/color][/size][/color][/quote]

Johnny Miller referenced the Korean Golf Academies several times during the NBC/ESPN2 broadcast. I'd be interested in learning more about these academies. Mastering technique has martial arts written all over it. Thanks for the reply, Hoganfan (I'm a huge Hogan fan as well).

[jfzhorseman]

My Girlfriend is a Korean Tiger Mom and pushes her son beyond what most kids born here experience. Grades come first and nothing but an A is acceptable. If you are going to do something, be the best, not just do your best. Korean Church and society is known to be very status and money focused. Some thrive in this culture and others implode.

[Left Rough]

[quote name='psd' timestamp='1310417733' post='3382827']
[quote name='hoganfan924' timestamp='1310416916' post='3382781']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1310416761' post='3382771']
All the talent korean players have comes at a huge cost. I mean there is such a huge amount of pressure for the top K girls to perform not only from their parents, but from their countries.

[b]Id expect several of these girls to burn out by the time they reach their early 30's.[/b]

I see the same thing going on at some of the golf ranges I frequent. You see a 15 y/old girls practicing under the watchful eyes of her mother and father. You see them there almost every night including friday & saturday. wtf!!!
[/quote]

Even sooner, ref. Angela Park, who is now working as a Hotel receptionist.
[/quote]

And references yesterday to some of the pressure Jiyai Shin's is apparently facing.
[/quote]

It's a great thing to be so dedicated to a craft in order to maximize your potential. One of the risks to the reward is burnout.

Shame about Angela Park (I was wondering what happened to her), but at least we got to see a sweet swing and some success on the tour for a couple of years. Better to be a has-been than a never-was but could've been.

[LottaBalata]

[quote name='mk920' timestamp='1310412730' post='3382592']

Dude have you been to Korea??? You make it sound like Korea is a Third World Country. Korea is not poor. You are confusing the North and South bro. You need money to play golf in Korea because it is extremely expensive.
[/quote]

No, never been. Could never afford such a trip. Look guys, I completely understand what you're explaining to me. I hear stories from a 74 yr. old mom, and a 56yr old sister.

Their time in South Korea was much different. So, pardon my ignorance of the current situation over there. But, my reasoning is still the same. They want out. Its amazingly overpopulated. . .

Korea used to be a 3rd world country, its different now. I understand. But, please don't tell me I'm confusing a communist regime with South Korea, thanks.