The LPGA Tour offers much more than great golf!
NY Choi Golf Champion/ friend /mentor / Life Champion
During last year’s Hugel-Air Premia Los Angeles Open at Wilshire Country Club, I had an interesting behind the scenes moment that I wish to share with our readers. I had the privilege of spending some time discussing golf with 5- time LPGA Tour winner, and former United States Open Champion Na Yeon Choi. She is a very talented and personable young lady, who generously offered her time and experience to myself and others.
A short time before our interview, I had the opportunity to observe something I believe is more important than championships and accolades. I was able to get a glimpse of the heart, soul and character of a very accomplished athlete and nice person! Long after the others had missed the cut, or finished their rounds and packed up to go home or the next event, I was enjoying the view from the clubhouse porch and I noticed a few golf bags and players gathered down on the driving range.
I enjoy watching great players work on their games, and I like to see what goes on behind the scenes at the events, so I made my way some 250 yards down to the range. There I found the great N.Y Choi hitting some middle irons, while three other players were sitting on their bags, hanging out and watching her practice. They were listening to her insights on the game, her advice on the golf swing and playing. They listened intently while she talked about guidance from her swing coach and how to benefit from productive practice.
It was very interesting to see an accomplished and successful player at work, and witness her desire to recover from a career-threatening back injury, determined to return in top form. At the same time, it was intriguing to see her give back to the game, share her thoughts with the younger and less experienced players, and enjoy the moment of friendship with the other competitors.
Shortly after she finished her practice, which was a pleasure to watch, she spent a little time swinging a vintage 1878 Long Nose play club from Carnoustie, Scotland and talked about her respect for the game and its traditions. She then kindly offered important advice for our PGA Junior girls and boys, about keys to being successful at golf or whatever they choose to do in their lives.
- “If you have a dream, and believe in yourself, you can achieve it”
- “You must be prepared for the event and the round. Good preparation creates confidence.”
- “You must work hard, but it is the only way to reach that goal!”
- And overall she emphasized “Always think positive and you will do your best!”
Despite the intense competition, and the desire to win, this story is as much about the comradery, support, and friendships that are present on the LPGA, as it is about the talent, the work ethic, drive, and commitment.
This is an interesting dynamic that most golf fans don’t get to see, but I feel it is one of the most fascinating aspects of professional golf, and it has a strong presence on the LPGA Tour.
We should all admire the way Na Yeon carries herself with the character of a champion. While she was taking care of business and putting the work in, she was also helping others.
PEI-YUN CHIEN N.Y. CHOI TIFFANY CHAN
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT NA YEON CHOI: N Y has donated over $200.000 to various charities and Girls Golf programs, which is consistent with her nature of helping others and giving back!
Career highlights:
- 7 Worldwide Professional Victories.
- 2012 United States Open Champion
- 2010 Vare Trophy(scoring average 69.8 )
- 2010 LPGA leading money winner!
- over $12,000,000 Career earnings
Things behind the scenes often tell the real story. And the story here is N.Y. Choi is a champion on and off the golf course! These are things she will be remembered for long after her playing career is over. Championships, accolades, and earnings may define you as a competitor, athlete or performer, but how you carry yourself off the field is what defines a real champion. And so, these are things I wish to make the fans aware of, and share the respect I have for Na Yeon Choi. I believe her skill, talent, and strength of character will carry her back into the winner’s circle on the LPGA Tour in the near future!
Go Well,
Robert M. Kotowski, PGA
Director of Instruction, Olde School Golf School
California Blind and Disabled Golf Association
Santa Barbara Hickory Golf Classic
Zaca Creek Golf Course | Buellton, CA 93427
805.698.6224 | bob@oldeschoolgolfschool.com