Greensboro, North Carolina … Five days ago, there was speculation Inbee Park could be retiring from professional golf given a nagging thumb injury had seen her arrive in Rio having played just 10 LPGA events this year.
In fact, the South Korean hadn’t competed since missing the cut in the KPMG Women’s LPGA Championship that ended June 9.
However any talk of retiring has vanished with Park being crowned an Olympic Champion capturing the women’s gold medal in convincing style
The seven-time Major winning Park posted a final round 66 to win by five shots on the Gil Hanse designed course.
She went into the last day leading by three and after three straight birdies early in round four it was case of who would finish second.
“I think definitely at the top because you know, this is something I’ve never done before,” said Park.
“I’ve won majors, but I haven’t won a gold medal, so this feels definitely very, very special and nothing I want to change. It’s a special week and special feeling, and I’m so honoured to represent my country. Being able to receive the gold medal on the golf course was an unforgettable moment.”
In fact, it was the current World No. 1 Lydia Ko who holed a 10-foot birdie putt at the last in a round of 69 for an 11-under par tally while China’s Shanshan Feng, also with a 69, took out the bronze medal finishing at 10-under par.
Women’s golf medal winners – Silver medalist Lydia Ko (NZL), left, gold medalist Inbee Park (KOR), and bronze medalist Shanshan Feng (CHN). Photo – Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
“One of the greatest things that I was really excited about this week was that I was able to meet other New Zealand athletes and see some that I had met before like Eric (Murray, gold medal rower),” said Ko.
“We’ve done a sponsor thing before. And to see him out here and come out and support me, I think has been amazing. That’s been one of the greatest memories of this week is to see the other New Zealand athletes, see the New Zealand flag out there and them waving and shouting and supporting. It’s been amazing.”
