3 Key Points
- Se Ri Pak returns as a host for the 2024 Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.
- Event purse increased to $2 million, reflecting a growth in the tournament.
- Pak’s influence continues to resonate within the world of women’s golf.
LPGA Legend Se Ri Pak Back in Spotlight
Golf fans will be delighted to hear that LPGA icon, Se Ri Pak, is making a significant comeback to the tour scene. In 2024, Pak will take on a new role, serving as a host for the prestigious Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship at the scenic Palos Verdes Golf Club, just outside Los Angeles.
Tournament Evolution and Growth
The event, previously known as the DIO Implant LA Open and won by Ruoning Yin in the year prior, is experiencing growth. With the revised title and heightened involvement from Pak, the championship is also boosting its prize fund to an impressive $2 million, marking a $250,000 increase.
Trailblazing a Legacy
Pak’s influence on the game has been profound. Her retirement in 2016 concluded a storied career that saw her clinch 25 LPGA titles and 39 wins worldwide. Reflecting on her success, she stands as a paragon of athletic excellence, inspiring a whole generation of South Korean players to grace the greens.
Inspiring a Nation
Once a solitary Korean figure in the LPGA, Pak’s 1998 U.S. Women’s Open victory ignited a golfing revolution in South Korea. By the end of her active years, the representation of South Korean players surged, marking the country as a dominant force in women’s golf.
“In America, you would say it’s Tiger Woods,” affirmed major champion Hyo Joo Kim, recognizing Pak’s influence. “In Korea, it’s Se Ri Pak.”
A Charitable Comeback
Pak’s love for golf transcends beyond her playing days, focusing on mentoring aspiring athletes. “It is an honor to return to the LPGA Tour as host for the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship,” Pak stated, expressing her commitment to fostering talents and enhancing the sport’s legacy.
New Sponsorships and Opportunities
The joining of Fir Hills, a prominent Silicon Valley investment firm, with the LPGA as a tournament sponsor, suggests a bright future for this championship. Their multi-year agreement underscores a commitment to golf and the empowerment of women’s sports.
Stay tuned for further coverage on how Se Ri Pak continues to shape the game of golf and the impact she will make in her new role as tournament host.
