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2003 Awards
Rookie of the Year
Christina Kim
Young Kim finished better on the money list, had better stats, and more
top tens. But Christina finished 49th on the money list, impressive for
the youngest player on tour. More importantly, she really made a name
for herself with her combination of gutsy play, sometimes outrageous fashions,
and outgoing personality. You always looked forward to seeing what Christina
was going to do next. Perhaps she burned herself out a bit too much by
playing too many events, but her record was still great and bodes well
for her career. And that makes a Rookie of the Year in my book!
Christina Kim
SeoulSisters.com Photo
Hee-Won Han
Most Improved Player
Hee-Won Han
Yes, Hee-Won Han had a fantastic 2002 season, and deservedly won our
Most Improved Player award in 2002. But what she did in 2003 was at least
another notch more impressive than what she did in 2002. Everything about
her game has become much more solid,and she now has two trophies to call
her own (and almost won a third at the Tournament of Champions). Most
amazingly of all, she has elevated herself in one year from a very good
player to one of the elite players on tour. About all she has to do now
is contend in some Majors. If she does that in 2004, look for her to make
it a three-peat for this award!
Grace Park
Se Ri Pak had the better stats, but not by a lot, and she has done better in the past. Hee-Won Han had the more surprising season, but what she accomplished cannot compare to what Grace accomplished. Just in brief: 19 top tens, her lowest scoring average ever (and 3rd in the league), 3rd on the money list, first ever $1 million+ season, 3rd in player of the year standings, 2nd most birdies in a season EVER, tied for most rounds in the 60s EVER, 2nd in most rounds under par, 5th in driving distance, 5th in putting... Just one great achievement after another. Grace has turned herself into the superstar we always knew she could be, and what's more impressive is, you can tell that she is just getting started. The sky is literally the limit for her. And when you add onto all that the endorsements (the huge Nike contract that threatens to make her a household name in 2004, the Rolex ads, the Pantene endorsement) and the honors (added to the Board of Directors of the LPGA as a nonvoting member), it all points to one player as Player of the Year: Grace Park. Congratulations to her!
