‘Retirement’ Yoo So-yeon “I’m working hard on ballet”

Golf for 16 years, retirement in April, a true rest
Ballet, travel, stay at home, commentary energy recharge
Chatting at the ‘V157’ meeting “I’m so happy”
Course designer’s dream for the development of Korean golf

“It’s already been 5 months.”

These are the words of So-yeon Ryu, who played her retirement game at the Chevron Championship, a major tournament on the LPGA Tour last April. In an interview with Asia Economic Daily on the 27th, he smiled and said, “I’m resting really hard. I feel like I’ve used up all my energy. Rather than trying to do anything, I’m focusing everything on rest.” Even after retirement, he remains busy. “I do ballet three times a week. I also work hard with weights,” said Yoo So-yeon with a bright smile, adding, “I go to events and study English. It’s also fun to play ‘Bangkok’ at home.”

I have been running non-stop for the past 16 years. He collected 21 championship trophies while touring around the world. When I was in middle school, I participated in the 2006 Doha Asian Games and won gold medals in the individual and team events. On the Korea Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour, she accumulated 10 wins from her rookie year in 2008 to 2020. She advanced to the LPGA Tour by winning the 2011 US Women’s Open and reached the top spot six times. He also took first place in the world rankings in 2017. She became the champion of five national title competitions, including the US Women’s Open, Korea Women’s Open, Japan Women’s Open, Canada Women’s Open, and China Women’s Open. “I had a really hectic time. It seems like time passed quickly,” he said. “I worked hard to make my dream come true. I learned a lot through golf. I have no regrets.”

Soyeon Yoo became a ‘party girl’ immediately after retirement. I received congratulations and encouragement from my friends. These days, I am spending a lot of time with my family. I chose a peaceful rest. “When I was a player, I lived a planned life. I didn’t even want to take a break. After retirement, I enjoy my free time in the morning. I make coffee and clean my room.”

There is a gathering that I enjoy most. ‘V157’ was formed in November 2019. Members include Inbee Park, Ha-neul Kim, Ji-ae Shin, Bomi Lee, and Na-yeon Choi. At the time the group was formed, the members’ win total was 157. So it is ‘V157’. So-yeon Yoo said, “Working with my sisters gives me a lot of strength. Since we are doing the same thing, I can get help when I have concerns.” Recently, I met ‘mom golfers’ such as Hee-won Han, Ji-young Lee, and In-bee Park. Inbee Park is due to give birth on November 8th. Following the first time, this time she is also a princess. “The married sisters looked so happy. The nieces and nephews were also so cute. I think I understand why they get married and have babies.”

Soyeon Yoo does not plan to let her second child play golf after marriage. “I think it would be enough to have one golf player. It takes sacrifice on the part of the parents to have their children take art and physical education,” he said. “When I played golf, I felt that the atmosphere at home changed because of my grades. I think it is desirable to let the child do what he wants.” explained.

Soyeon Yoo is active as a golf commentator. I chose it because I wanted to experience a variety of things. I plan to commentate on four LPGA tour tournaments this year. At the Dana Open last July, he received favorable reviews for his commentary based on his extensive player experience. Soyeon Ryu, who said, “I want to provide commentary that highlights golf players,” said, “I will act as a bridge to prevent interest in golf from diminishing.”

As a senior, he also gave advice to his juniors. “Our country’s players are capable and have potential. It’s a waste to stay in Korea,” he said. “KLPGA Tour players are not challenging the LPGA Tour as domestic conditions are improving. If they don’t go overseas, they will become increasingly unable to do so. I wish they could challenge themselves on a big stage. “It would be good,” he advised. He then asked for encouragement for juniors who are struggling on the American stage. “Our country’s players are working really hard. There are people who criticize them for not putting in effort, but that is absolutely not the case. I believe that if people around them give encouragement, they will show good performances again.”

Soyeon Yoo has a special love for golf. There is a lot of interest in expanding the base of golf. “It is not easy to change the golf-related system,” he said emphatically, “but still, someone must work for a better golf environment.” “Golf is a very attractive profession. I want to do something related to it,” he said, expressing his concerns, adding, “I have no intention of giving lessons. I want to do something for the development of the golf world.” In the future, I dream of becoming a course designer. “If I get the chance, I would like to design a course. I often heard from my foreign friends, ‘I want to go on a golf trip to Korea. Where is the best place?’ At that time, I couldn’t think of any golf courses that I could definitely recommend. I want to promote Korean golf by creating a great golf course. .”

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