Poor driving plagues Pak heading into British Open
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-07-30 06:14

South Korea's Pak Se Ri has mixed emotions going into this week's British Women's Open at Sunningdale Golf Club.

The Korean loves the venue, having won the title from compatriot Kim Mi-Hyun when the tournament was last held here in 2001. She was also runner-up to world No 1 Annika Sorenstam a year ago at Royal Lytham & St Anne's.

However, the Seoul professional is unhappy with her form. She has been struggling off the tee and has just one victory this year, at the LPGA tournament in Virginia in May.

"My driver is the big problem," the 26-year-said on Wednesday as she prepared for the final major of the women's season.

"I'm trying to find one that really suits me, but I just can't find any consistency.

"This is such an important time of the season, but it's hard at times to keep smiling.

"It actually reminds me a little of the 2000 season, but I also realize it's part of upgrading my game. Sometimes you have to step back a little in order to get better."

In 2000, Pak failed to win a title on the LPGA Tour, her only year without a victory since she joined the US Tour in 1998.

The Korean has produced just one top-20 in her last five starts, and finished a lowly 68th in a 77-strong field at last week's Evian Masters in France. She believes she might need a break from competitive golf.

"I think I need a little rest," she said. "My life seems to be all golf and perhaps I need to have a little more fun. Take time out with my friends, go shopping."

Kim is the highest-ranked player on the LPGA money list without a win this year. She stands sixth with earnings of US$693,089.

However, she has enjoyed a consistent run, with 10 top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the LPGA event in Rochester last month.

"It's nice to be back here because I have good memories of last time at Sunningdale," she said.

Grace Park is the best of the Koreans this season, the highlight having been the first major of her career at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in California in March.

However, she pulled out of the Rochester event with a back injury and failed to hit top form at the US Women's Open, where she tied for 64th, and at the Evian Masters, sharing 28th.

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