Park was born in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil to South Korean-born parents who had a business in Brazil. At the age of 8, she moved with her father and siblings to Torrance, California and spent the remainder of her childhood there where she attended Torrance High School. She states she has only been to Korea on holiday.[2]
In June 2008 Park became a United States citizen.[3] She also retains her Brazilian citizenship.[4]
Amateur career
Park was successful in the American Junior Golf Association, winning five times. In 29 events in four seasons, she posted 24 top-10 finishes. She was also part of the Canon Cup and the USA Junior Solheim Cup. In 2005, she reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Women's Amateur, the premier amateur tournament for women golfers in the world.[2]
Professional career
Deciding to forgo college, Park turned professional at age 17 in April 2006, competing on the Futures Tour, where she entered sixteen events. She earned full playing privileges on the LPGA for 2007 at the December 2006 LPGA Qualifying Tournament and was named LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 2007. Her best finish on the LPGA tour was a tie for runner-up as a rookie at the U.S. Women's Open, where she led after two rounds.[5]
In October 2010, Park quit professional golf at age 22, claiming she was both mentally and physically exhausted although she has not ruled out the possibility of playing again.[6]
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