Lincicome thinks Koreans work hard

• By Randall Mell
• Jul 9, 2012 11:12 AM ET

KOHLER, Wis. – Na Yeon Choi vaulted three spots back to No. 2 in the Rolex World Rankings after her victory Sunday at the U.S. Women’s Open.

American Stacy Lewis slipped back a spot to No. 3. Cristie Kerr is the only other American among the top 12 in the world at No. 9. With U.S. Women’s Open runner up Amy Yang moving up to No. 7, there are six South Koreans among the top 12.

With Choi becoming the fourth South Korean in five years to win the U.S. Women’s Open, she was asked if her countrywomen are outworking the rest of the world. Choi answered with an observation of the differences she sees between American and South Korean parents. She said American parents like to compliment and motivate their children that way. She South Korean parents push.

“I think that is a little different, Korean culture and American culture,” Choi said.

American Brittany Lincicome, No. 15 in the world, was asked what separates South Korean and American players.

“I have no idea,” she said. “Maybe I should spend a week with one of them and kind of figure out what they do. 

“Obviously, they practice unbelievably hard. They're not fishing on their weeks off, like I am. Probably just work ethic. They practice a little bit harder than we do, I guess. Their short games are so good. I'm not sure why their short games are different than ours. But maybe they practice it more, maybe that's just why they're better.”