The program opened with appointment certificates for the country’s rising talent and moved into focused sessions on mindset and conduct, operating regulations, the Rules of Golf, the KGA ranking system, athletes’ rights, anti-doping, training methods and the biomechanics of the golf swing.
A highlight of the education sessions was Inbee Park’s participation in a “Conversation with Seniors” segment. Park, a former national team member who serves on the International Golf Federation’s board and executive committee, met with the younger players for about 80 minutes.
Park — a 21-time LPGA winner with seven majors and the 2016 Rio Olympic women’s gold medalist — shared career lessons and practical advice drawn from competing at the highest level.
“Don’t get complacent,” she told the group. “When I first turned pro I felt I couldn’t lose to anyone. But the professional tour brings together the best players from around the world. Confidence is important, but it mustn’t become arrogance. You might be the best here, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be the best everywhere.”
She added, “Don’t be afraid to fail. I want you to give everything you have. Take on challenges, learn from failures, and keep pushing yourself until you run out of things you want to try.”
The KGA used its ranking system to select the 2026 squads: six men and six women for the national team, and ten men and ten women for the national reserve squad.
The men’s national team members are Kang Seung-gu (Namseong High School, 2nd year), Kim Min-su (Howon High School Affiliated Correspondence High School, 3rd year), Park Geon-ung (Korea National Sport University, 1st year), Son Je-i (Dongnae High School Affiliated Correspondence High School, 1st year), An Hae-cheon (Korea National Sport University, 2nd year), and Yoo Min-hyeok (Seogang High School, 3rd year). The women’s national team members are Koo Min-ji (Korea National Sport University, 1st year), Kim Gyu-bin (Haksan Girls’ High School, 2nd year), Park Seo-jin (Seomun Girls’ High School, 3rd year), Yang Yoon-seo (Incheon Girls’ High School Affiliated Correspondence High School, 3rd year), Oh Su-min (Sinseong High School, 3rd year), and Yoon Gyu-ri (Haksan Girls’ High School, 1st year).
Reporter Oh Hae-won
