Major Hat-Trick Motivation for WAAP Champion Yang

Lytham, England: Yang Yun-seo has her sights set on completing a notable hat-trick when she tees-off bright and early tomorrow in the 50th edition of the AIG Women’s Open. 

As winner of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in New Zealand in February, the Korean earned exemptions into three of this year’s LPGA Majors – the Chevron Championship, the Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open.

Fully justifying those rewards, she made the cut at both the Chevron in the United States in April and the Evian in France a fortnight ago. 

Making it three-out-of-three is her target for this week at Royal Lytham & St Annes on England’s northwest coast, even though the firm and fast conditions are somewhat alien to her.

“I’ve never played on a links course this firm before. I’ve played in windy conditions, but this is definitely tough,” said Yang, who will be up before 5 am in order to prepare for her 7.36 am tee-time, alongside fellow-Korean Ina Yoon and American Alison Lee.

“I don’t really feel nervous. It just hasn’t fully sunk in yet that I’m playing at the AIG Women’s Open. I’m just going to stick to my routine, like I always do.”

Sticking to her routine has served the 18-year-old well this year, helping her to joint 38th place at the Chevron, where she shared low amateur honours with American Farah O’Keefe on even-par 288. At the Evian, Yang once more showed her mettle, compiling a four-day aggregate of four-under 280 as she tied for 41st place.

From her eight Major championship rounds to date, she’s bettered par on five occasions.

Yang acknowledges that adding to that impressive record will not be easy at the Lancashire links, with winds strengthening during today’s final practice round.

“These are courses and weather conditions you can’t really experience in Korea. I’m focusing my time on adapting and gaining experience here. I haven’t quite gotten the complete feel for it yet, but I plan to do my absolute best with what I can do.

“I made the cut with good results in the last two Majors. My goal for this tournament is also to make the cut. But even if I don’t make it, just being able to play on a course like this is a massive learning experience,” said Yang, whose impressive record this year also includes a tied fourth finish on her Augusta National Women’s Amateur debut in April.

Following her exertions at the Evian, Yang opted to spend some time back in Korea recuperating, rather than remain in Europe.

“When I returned to Korea, I worked on my fundamentals. Realising that the Evian Championship took a heavy physical toll on me, I made sure to rest up and build my strength back up,” she said.

Had she not have won the WAAP, Yang concedes she would most probably have relinquished her amateur status. But the appeal of the rich rewards on offer as a result of her eight-stroke success at Royal Wellington persuaded her to delay the temptation to join the pro ranks.

She said: “Winning the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific opened up opportunities to play in several tournaments, which has been hugely beneficial. Based on what I’ve learned, I now approach every tournament with the same mindset.”

However she fares this week, Yang knows that there’s at least one more major mission ahead, the golf tournament at October’s Asian Games in Japan when she’ll fly the Korean flag. Many are already predicting that will be her swansong as an amateur, although Yang is keeping her cards close to her chest.

“Coming up I’ll be playing in the Asian Games as well as other events. Nothing is set in stone yet (about turning pro). I think I’ll need to wrap up the Asian Games first and then map out my future plans,” she said. Spoken as a seasoned pro.