|
Park's departure comes as another blow to the domestic tour,
which has been boosting prize money and adding tournaments to
its schedule in a bid to keep top players.
The 23-year-old has amassed more than $1.1 million in prize
money from Korea alone this season, and finished in the top 10
at three of the five women's global major championships.
The long hitter is considered the brightest talent to emerge
from Korea in years and, if she can improve her putting, has the
potential to reach world number one.
"After much thought I have decided to play on the LPGA Tour next
season," she said at a news conference. "I want to win the
Rookie of the Year Award and will move to the United States to
prepare for next season."
While many thought the decision to switch to the U.S. tour was
the natural progression for Park, her lack of English and the
prospect of moving away from home had played on her mind.
At last month's KEB Hana Bank Championship, Park said she was
still undecided about the move, pointing to the language barrier
and her difficulties in adapting to new environments.
Her agency, Sema Sports, said she had bought a house in Orlando
and hired an English instructor to help her prepare for the new
season, according to Yonhap news agency.
(Reporting by Peter Rutherford; Additional reporting by Yun Hwan
Chae; Editing by Ian Ransom)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
