Fatal accident forced Korea’s Shin to grow up fast

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This article was published 30/08/2010 (5847 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

JIYAI Shin knows a little about growing up and she paid her playing partner on Sunday a nice compliment after a head-to-head round of championship golf.

"Michelle is growing up. I’m only two years older than her but she’s maturing. She was great (Sunday) and it was fun to watch her win," said Shin, who wound up tied for second with three others after firing a final round one-over 73 for a tournament total of nine-under. "Her shots are steady. A few years ago she was up and down. But not anymore."

As a 14-year-old, Shin was forced to take on a larger role at home when her mother was killed in South Korea after a garbage truck broadsided their car. Shin’s younger brother and sister were also in the car and spent the next year in hospital, with their older sister moving into the ward to help care for them.

These days Shin’s father and two siblings share a house in Atlanta and are enjoying happier times.

"My father and brother and sister, they make me whole," said Shin. "I still think about my mom all the time. I have her picture attached to my yardage book and take it everywhere I play. I miss her but I know she’s always with me."

The 22-year-old Shin has seven career LPGA wins and tried to push Wie on Sunday, but couldn’t get any putts to drop. The two entered the day tied at 10-under but Wie took the lead on the eighth hole, sinking a birdie putt while Shin bogeyed for a two-shot swing.

"I hit it well but I couldn’t make any putts," said Shin. "I had lots of chances for birdie but couldn’t make them. Michelle played really great. I have to say congratulations to her."

Shin says part of her philosophy in life is to always look forward.

"Last year I finished 10th at this tournament and now I’ve finished second. Next year maybe I can win," said Shin.

Wie took the lead on the eighth and never looked back. Shin regretted not being able to get close enough to Wie to get the 20-year-old Hawaiian thinking.

"Well, if you get close to them, everybody gets pressure, and today Michelle, she didn’t get the pressure," said Shin. "So I am just happy to finish second, and well, I appreciate the gallery and the crowds here. So I’m happy."

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Shin couldn’t find much to grouse about despite failing to catch Wie.

"Yes, I am happy to finish second," said Shin, who spent half an hour talking to the media and signing autographs before heading to the clubhouse. "Now I can get ready for the next tournament. I’m happy right now, and I’m hungry and I just want to eat something."

Shin said playing with Wie, who is also of Korean descent, is lots of fun.

"We talk back and forth in a mix of Korean and English. She wants to know about Korean food and Korean culture. And I want to know about some American things," said Shin. "We talked a lot about Korean barbecue."

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca