Shin's success

She was born April 28th, 1988 in South Korea and soon became one of the players to follow. With only 22 years old, she's atop the Rolex Rankings and far from being obnoxious, she's one of the nicest girls on tour, which makes her a fan favorite.

Jiyai Shin became pro in 2005. 

Her life seems like a dream come true, nevertheless, Jiyai Shin received a terrible news when she was 16. While practicing, she knew her mother had died in a car crash and her younger siblings had been badly injured, which made her take care of them for over a year.

In 2005 she grabbed her first KLPGA victory, after winning the SK Enclean Invitational as an amateur, and shot after she became pro. In 2006 she conquered three more titles including a major, the Taeyoung Cup Korean's Open.

Media and fans acknowledge her potential and in 2007 she won 10 out of 19 tournaments played, she broke every KLPGA record and was named Player of the Year. Her success took her to the LPGA where she played 4 tourneys, finishing 6th at the U.S. Women's Open and 3rd at the Evian Masters. At the end of the year, Jiyai was the top ranked South Korean and the only non-LPGA member at the Rolex Rankings top 10.

One year later, she became the first non-LPGA member to win three events as she lifted the Women's British Open, Mizuno Classic and ADT Championship trophies.

In 2009 she debuted at the LPGA and manged to become the Rookie of the Year, she was close to being the Player of the Year and won three more times: HSBC Women's Championship, Wegmans LPGA and P&G Beauty NW Arkansas, thus she topped the Money List, becoming the first South Korean golfer to do so.

She grabbed her first 2010 title last weekend when she defeated United States player, Morgan Pressel, at the Evian Masters, showing why she's called the "Final Round Queen". Shin came from behind and notched a bogey-free 5 under round, which secured her the title.

This gave her the first position of the Rolex Rankings back, since she lost it a month ago to Ai Miyazato, after skipping the State Farm Classic, due to a surgery.

Outside the ropes, Shin is one of the most charismatic Asian golfers on tour, she signs all kind of memorabilia and takes pictures with her fans on a regular basis. Her commitment with the tour is tremendous, she's even taken English lessons in order to attend media and sponsors.

Furthermore, she's an excellent Gospel singer and has released some songs in her country.