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PORTIMÃO, Portugal — While many athletes consider their 30s the twilight of their careers, KLPGA powerhouse Bae So-hyun is just getting started. Training under the bright sun at Morgado Golf & Country Club in Portugal, the 33-year-old veteran is preparing for a season where she hopes to defy societal expectations and cement her legacy alongside her idols, Tiger Woods and Annika Sörenstam.

“In Korea, there seems to be a strong social blueprint—going to college at 20 and marrying in your 30s,” Bae said during an interview with The Korea Economic Daily. “Just as I clinched my first win in my 30s, I want to prove that age doesn’t define your limits. I want to remain a competitive player for a long time.”

A Late Bloomer’s Rise to the Top
Born in 1993, Bae is the definition of a "late bloomer." After spending years in the minor tours, she debuted on the regular tour in 2017. It took 154 starts and eight years of perseverance before she finally hoisted her first trophy in May 2024.

That breakthrough opened the floodgates. She swept three titles in 2024, earning the Most Improved Player award. Last year, she added another victory to her resume, bringing her total to four wins over the past two seasons and establishing herself as a face of the KLPGA.

New Goals for 2026: Majors and Consistency
Despite her recent success, Bae remains her own harshest critic. Reflecting on last season, she noted that while she won a title, her consistency in the "Top 10" was lacking.

For the upcoming 2026 season, her goals are clear: at least two wins, including a Major championship.

Target Tournaments: The DB Group Korea Women’s Open and the BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup.
The Motivation: “I have fond memories of being a spectator at the Korea Women’s Open as a child. I want to stand on that podium as a champion,” she shared.

The Secret to Her Power: 120% Effort
Bae is currently ranked 5th in average driving distance on the tour, a feat made more impressive by the fact that her distance has increased every year. Her average drive rose from 222.3m in 2022 to 233.8m last year.

Her secret lies in a relentless training regimen and a unique philosophy on power:

"When I practice, I hit the ball with 120% of my strength. If you only use 100%, your limit naturally drops to 90% or 80% as you age. By pushing past my limits in practice, I ensure my 'maximum' stays high."
Accompanied by a personal trainer even during her overseas training, Bae incorporates an hour of strength training daily, even during tournament weeks. It is this "slow and steady" dedication that has transformed her from a tour journeyman into a long-hitting superstar.

As she enters her 33rd year, Bae So-hyun isn't looking back at the years she spent waiting for her first win. Instead, she is looking forward to the trophies she has yet to lift.

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