Story highlights
- South Korean golfer So Yeon Ryu has come a long way since her days as a musician
- Ryu became the fifth player from her country to win the U.S. Women's Open in 2011
- She will tee off at this week's 68th edition of the tournament in New York state
- The 22-year-old was named the LPGA's Rookie of the Year for 2012
So Yeon Ryu was seven years old when she gave her first violin recital. She was in love with music, but at age 12 she had to make a tough decision.
"I started playing golf in elementary school. One day my golf coach took the team to a golf course and I fell in love with it. I loved walking the course and being out in nature," recalls Ryu, now 22.
She started to notice several professional golfers, like fellow South Korean Grace Park. "She was fashionable, powerful and beautiful," Ryu says.
Her golf was getting so much better that her mother asked what everyone had been thinking: "Do you want to become a violinist or a professional golfer?"
The moment of truth
"It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I always wanted to become violinist," Ryu acknowledges.
By that time, she already had a role model: a girl who played on the elite U.S.-based LPGA Tour, and who, at age 20, became the first South Korean to claim a major title: Se Ri Pak.
Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Justin Rose looks skyward apparently in recognition of his deceased father after putting on the 18th hole to win the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Phil Mickelson celebrates with caddie Jim Mackay after making a shot for eagle on the 10th hole par 4 during the final round on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Tiger Woods hits from the 5th tee during the fourth round on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Charl Schwartzel and Steve Stricker examine the green during the final round.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Billy Horschel hits his second shot on the 15th hole on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Jason Day reacts to his missed putt for birdie on the 15th hole on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Luke Donald climbs up a bank after hitting out of a water hazard at the 4th hole on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Justin Rose hits an approach shot on the fourth hole on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Ian Poulter hits his third shot on the 10th hole during the final round on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the second hole.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Hideki Matsuyama of Japan talks with caddie Daisuke Shindo on the first hole on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – The names of Phil Mickelson of the United States, Hunter Mahan of the United States, Steve Stricker of the United States and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa are seen on a leaderboard during the final round on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – A gallery of fans follows Tiger Woods and Matt Bettencourt of the United States near the second hole during the final round on June 16.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Phil Mickelson reacts on the 18th green during round three of the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on Saturday, June 15, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Hunter Mahan hits his second shot on the 14th hole.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – A groundhog is seen along the sixth fairway on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the ninth green on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Justin Rose plans the next shot near the 17th green on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Steve Stricker drives from the fifth tee on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Charley Hoffman dries his feet after chipping to the fourth green from a creek during the third round on June 15.
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U.S. Open: The best photos – John Senden of Australia putts on the ninth hole on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Luke Donald hits a shot from a bunker on the 17th hole during round three on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Cheng-Tsung Pan of Chinese Taipei hits his second shot on the 16th hole during a continuation of round two on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – A caddie rakes a bunker at the 10th hole on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Sergio Garcia of Spain places a ball on the 17th green on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Ian Poulter of England waits to putt on the 18th green on June 15.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Phil Mickelson of the United States hits his second shot on the 10th hole during round two of the 113th U.S. Open on Friday, June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Mickelson smiles as he walks off the 11th tee during round two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Justin Rose of England lines up a putt on the second green during round two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Steve Stricker of the United States hits his second shot on hole two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Tiger Woods of the United States hits a chip shot on the eighth hole during round two.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Woods misses a putt for birdie on the ninth hole on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Woods walk up the 10th hole during round two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Bubba Watson of the United States hits his tee shot on the second hole during round two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Billy Horschel of the United States waits on the 16th tee with caddie Micah Fugitt during round two on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Mathew Goggin of Australia hits his second shot on the first hole during a continuation of the first round on June 14. Rain delayed the round on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Luke Donald of England walks with caddie John McLaren on the 17th hole on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the 14th hole on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain hits his second shot on the 17th hole on June 14.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – England's Ian Poulter tees off at the second hole during the first round on Thursday, June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Roger Tambellini of the United States hits his second shot from a bunker on the first hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Bill Haas of the United States ponders a putt on the 10th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Ryan Yip of Canada hits his second shot out of a bunker on the 10th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – On the fourth hole, Aaron Baddeley of Australia tees off on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Lucas Glover of the United States tees off on the 11th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – The gallery takes in the U.S. Open from the 17th hole at Merion Golf Club on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Steve Stricker of the United States tees off on the 13th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Rain begins to fall and play is suspended on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – A man looks out over the 18th hole after play was suspended during a storm on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – People traverse the 18th fairway during a weather delay on June 13.
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U.S. Open: The best photos – Jason Day of Australia, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Matteo Manassero of Italy play on the 17th green on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Scott Stallings of the U.S. shoots from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – On the 17th hole, Padraig Harrington of Ireland makes his second shot on June 13.
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U.S. Open: The best photos – Cheng-Tsung Pan of Taiwan tees off on the 11th hole during on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Dustin Johnson of the U.S. tees off on the 18th hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos – Phil Mickelson of the U.S. watches his shot from the tee of the second hole on June 13.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Bethpage Black Course, New York – The toughest of five courses at Bethpage State Park on Long Island, Bethpage Black joined the U.S. Open roster in 2002 after the USGA decided to bring its flagship tournament to a public venue. Green fee: $130 weekdays, $150 weekends.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Chambers Bay, Washington – Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened for play in 2007, this 7,165-yard, par 72 stunner on the shores of Puget Sound hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur. It will host its first U.S. Open in 2015. Green fee: $219.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Erin Hills, Wisconsin – Erin Hills hosted the U.S. Amateur in 2011 and will host the U.S. Open in 2017. The 7,823-yard, par 72 course is a walking-only course, with neither motorized nor pull carts allowed. Green fees: $200.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Pebble Beach Golf Links, California – Jack Nicklaus said: "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach. It's possibly the best in the world." Green fees: $495.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina – Pinehurst No. 2 hosted a PGA Championship in 1936, a Ryder Cup in 1951 and its second U.S. Open in 2005. Next year, it will become the first venue to host a U.S. Open and a U.S. Women's Open in subsequent weeks. Stay-and-play packages from $488.
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Photos: U.S. Open courses you can play
Torrey Pines Golf Course, California – Tiger Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines after hobbling his way around the course with a knee injury, then dispatching Rocco Mediate on the first sudden-death playoff hole. Green fee: $183.
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LPGA winner reveals Olympic ambitions 04:13
"She is a great trailblazer for all Korean golfers. She played super great on the LPGA and because of that we could dream about playing on the world stage," Ryu says.
"But, this is not only her influence, we must be thankful to Grace Park, and Mi-Hyun Kim and other first generation Korean players on the LPGA."
With her mind solely on golf, Ryu informed her family about her decision to put the violin to one side, though her mother was not convinced.
"'Really? No violin?' My mom was so disappointed with my decision because everybody said I had a talent for music. I think my mom enjoyed choosing my recital dresses and having me perform on stage."
The transition
Waking up early for practice was one of the toughest things in Ryu's new life. Little by little she got used to it and during the transition she discovered that her musical background would be very helpful.
As a junior golfer, she had some trouble with her swing but her shots were good enough. "My swing tempo was consistently well and I think I got my good tempo from music," she says.
In 2006, at age 16, Ryu represented South Korea in the Asian Games in Qatar and won gold in the individual and team events.
Having impressed as an amateur, Ryu turned professional at the end of the following year and joined the KLPGA, the Korean women's tour.
She won her first tournament as a KLPGA member, triumphing by four strokes at the Sports Seoul Open in April 2008.
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Her first winner's check brought her back to her first love -- she bought a violin for her sister, who had decided to pursue music as a career.
The 2009 season would be even better for Ryu. Aged just 19, she won five times, earned over $500,000 and finished second in the Player of the Year race.
But the real breakthrough came in 2011, at the most prestigious tournament in the female game: the U.S. Women's Open.
After a shaky opening round that put her six strokes off the pace, Ryu shot 69 on Friday and Saturday to share the lead going into the final day.
The tournament ended in a showdown between Ryu and her rival Hee Kyung Seo -- who had beaten her to the KLPGA player of the year award two years earlier.
This time it was Ryu who prevailed. She forced a playoff with a birdie on the last regulation green before, after three extra holes, becoming just the fifth South Korean to win the major.
A sixth, Na Yeon Choi, will defend her title at Sebonak Golf Club in Southampton, New York, this week.
Ryu emulated her hero Pak -- who 13 years earlier became the first Korean to win it -- and, along with the winner's check of $585,000, it prompted her to make the next big step in her career.
"I transferred from the KLPGA to the LPGA and people started to recognize me," she says. "I moved to the U.S. and I am now based in California. That was a pretty big change, relocating to another country."
A keen student
Despite moving, Ryu continued studying physical education at Yonsei University, a private institution and the oldest of her country, and graduated in February this year with a bachelor's degree in sports management..
"I could not and would not trade my university life for anything. It was such a great time for me," she says.
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"Sometimes I couldn't sleep during a tournament because of assignments. I had to wake up early if I wanted to practice before going to class. Physically, it was a hard job but it was worth it."
That work ethic goes some way to explaining the success of Korean women golfers and Ryu is now hoping that she can inspire new generations of young players like Pak and Kim did for her.
"I'd love to be someone's role model. I want to share my experience and heart," says the golfer, who finished second behind compatriot and close friend Inbee Park at this season's opening major, the Kraft-Nabisco Championship in April,.
"I would like to donate to poor people or junior golfers. I really want to support young golfers, not as an instructor but as a manager."
The best decision
Ryu's determination at age 12 has led her to become one of the best players in women's golf; she currently sits fifth in the Rolex world rankings, just behind Choi, while Park is No. 1 after also winning this month's LPGA Championship.
Last weekend the two friends battled for victory at the NW Arkansas Championship event, with Park beating Ryu in a playoff to claim her fifth win this season.
"Inbee and I practice together a lot so when we are standing at the 18th hole, it feels like just a practice round," Ryu told reporters. "I wasn't really nervous. Two players cannot be champion, so she deserved it."
Ryu was named 2012's LPGA Rookie of the Year, having won the 11th title of her pro career by a massive seven shots at the Jamie Farr Toldeo Classic.
Her love for music is still alive, and Ryu acknowledges that it "is too hard" to even think of trading her accomplishments in golf for a night as concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic or Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Her mother, who once was not satisfied with her daughter's decision, is now "so happy that I am a professional golfer."
And it was from her mom that she received the advice that has shaped her career: "Enjoy your life."
