Angela Park finished runner-up at the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles and, a few years later, fell off of the golf map

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Fifteen years ago at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, Johnny Miller called Angela Park’s swing the best in women’s golf. A then 18-year-old Park tied for second with Lorena Ochoa at the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open and looked poised to become a force on the LPGA.

In a few short years, however, Park was off the tour. She won $2.1 million in four seasons on the LPGA and then abruptly moved on.

“I ultimately decided to step back from the game because I no longer had the desire to play,” said Park via email. “It was just simple as that.”