Angela Park
A teenage prodigy who rocketed to LPGA stardom, becoming the first Brazilian-American to win the Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian-American professional golfer·Birthday: August 25·Millennials
Biography
Angela Park's golf story is one of precocious talent and international identity. Born in Brazil to South Korean parents and raised in the United States, she was a dominant junior player who turned professional at 17. Her 2007 rookie season on the LPGA Tour was a sensation; she notched seven top-10 finishes and captured the Rookie of the Year honor, bringing a new, multicultural face to the sport. While a major championship victory ultimately eluded her, her early career brilliance and graceful play under pressure made her a standout figure. Park's journey represents the modern, global pathway in professional golf, navigating the pressures of the tour while representing multiple heritages.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Angela was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Angela Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Angela's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the LPGA Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award in 2007.
- Finished tied for second at the 2007 U.S. Women's Open as a rookie.
- Represented Brazil in international golf competitions, including the Women's World Cup of Golf.
- Recorded seven top-10 finishes during her standout 2007 LPGA season.
Did You Know?
She began playing golf at the age of 8 after moving to California.
She was a member of the victorious U.S. team at the 2004 Curtis Cup while still an amateur.
She speaks Portuguese, English, and Korean.
She attended the David Leadbetter Golf Academy as a teenager.
“The ball doesn't know where you're from; it only knows where you're going.”
