Park passes Korean idol Pak Se-ri with sixth major win

Harrison, New York: Park In-bee accomplished a great deal in winning the Women`s PGA Championship on Sunday, a victory that put her name atop the list of Korean major winners.

The five-stroke triumph at the venerable Westchester Country Club gave the 26-year-old Park six in her career, eclipsing the total of five claimed by pioneering Pak Se-ri.

"She had great accomplishments in women`s golf, inspired a lot of young Korean golfers like me," Park told reporters after her resounding victory.

"I never thought I would be able to win more majors than her."

The victory was Park`s 15th on the LPGA Tour, leaving her 10 behind the total claimed by Pak.

Hall of Famer Pak, 37, is still competing at a high level, finishing tied for fourth in both the 2013 Evian and 2014 ANA Inspiration majors.

"The accomplishments that she`s had, it was just nearly impossible to get, but I`m slowly getting there. I`m not quite there yet. I feel like I`m just taking baby steps."

Park also reclaimed the world number one spot, overtaking Lydia Ko, who failed to make the cut at the year`s second major.

"I feel probably more happy about winning the major championship than being number one again. Because number one, I had an opportunity every week pretty much, and it just happened this week," said Park.

"I really just wanted to be number one when I was really ready, and this is like the perfect tournament, perfect timing to go up there."

Park said the win could be a launching pad for more success.

"There is no number of majors that I really set for my goal. I said I always liked to win the British Open, which I never won before," she said.

"But for this year ... having three wins already this season and winning a major championship already, it feels like I`ve done the homework for this year.

"So I can play without the pressure a little bit from now on and hopefully that brings better results."