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Like so many Korean girls, Sukjin Lee came
to America as a 12 year old to pursue her golf career. She
moved in with an aunt who was married to an American ex-serviceman.
In order to facilitate immigration, they went so far as to
adopt Sukjin, who then took on the name Wuesthoff in addition
to her own.
Although Sukjin has had success on the national
level, nothing prepared her for what she did at the 2003 US
Girl's Championship, perhaps the most prestigious golf event
for junior girls. Earlier in the summer, Sukjin had Monday-qualified
for the Shop-Rite LPGA Classic, but did not make the cut.
Overshadowed by the likes of Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and
defending champion In-Bee Park at the US Girls Championship,
she nonetheless methodically worked her way through the field
to the semi-finals. There she beat the precocious 13 year
old Mina Harigae to advance to her first final, against the
defending champion In-Bee Park. Park got out to a great start
and was 5 shots up after 8 holes. But Sukjin got over her
nerves and played steady golf from then on, while Park struggled.
By the 17th hole they were tied.
On the 17th hole, Sukjin made an 8 foot putt
thanks to a great read from her caddie, a local man who had
caddied on the course many times. She went on to win one up,
the greatest comeback in the history of the final round of
the US Girl's Championship.
In April, 2005, Sukjin turned pro and joined
the Futures Tour. She only made 3 cuts in 8 events played,
however.
She was not able to qualify to play on the
Futures Tour in 2007, and became frustrated, contemplating
giving up the game entirely. However, she went to a new coach
at the end of the year, and the swing changes he suggested
gave her new confidence. Armed with this, she went to 2007
LPGA Q-School and came within just a few strokes of earning
an exempt card. She was non-exempt on tour in 2008, but played
in no events, and failed to regain status for 2009 at Q-School
in December.
Sukjin's currently activities, and whether
she is still playing golf, are unknown.
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