Inbee Park
A golfer of serene dominance whose historic run to the Career Grand Slam was marked by a peerless, metronomic putting stroke.
Born 1988 (age 38)·South Korean professional golfer·Birthday: July 12·Millennials
Biography
Inbee Park approached golf with a stillness that belied a historic competitive fire. Turning professional as a teenager in South Korea, she announced her arrival by winning the 2008 U.S. Women's Open at just 19. But her true era of command began in 2013, a season for the ages. That year, she won the first three major championships, becoming the first player since Babe Zaharias in 1950 to achieve the feat, and ascended to the world number one ranking. Her game was built on a legendary putting stroke, a repetitive and calm motion that seemed immune to pressure. This prowess led her to complete the Career Grand Slam of women's majors with her victory at the 2015 Women's British Open. Park's career is a testament to precision and mental fortitude, establishing her as one of the most accomplished golfers in the history of the sport.
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.
Inbee 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 Inbee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Inbee'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
- Completed the Career Grand Slam of women's major championships with her victory at the 2015 Women's British Open.
- Won three consecutive major championships in 2013 (Kraft Nabisco, LPGA Championship, U.S. Women's Open).
- Held the world number one ranking in women's golf for over 100 weeks across four separate reigns.
- Won the Olympic gold medal in women's golf at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Did You Know?
She is the youngest player ever to qualify for the LPGA of Korea Tour, doing so at age 12.
She married her longtime coach, Gi Hyeob Nam, in 2014.
She was awarded the LPGA Tour's Player of the Year award in both 2013 and 2015.
“I don't really try to show my emotions. I think that's the best way to play golf for me.”
