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GolfTalkCentral

LPGA Rookie of the Year 'warns' POY Tseng

By Randall Mell
Nov 18, 2011 9:18 AM ET

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hee Kyung Seo delivered a message to world No. 1 Yani Tseng in her acceptance speech upon receiving the Rolex Rookie of Year award during Thursday’s Rolex Awards Reception.

It should be noted it was offered up in a witty, playful delivery.

“I’m here to issue a warning,” Seo said from the podium while turning to look at Tseng. “I’m ready to play golf at the highest level, and I want to be No. 1 in the future, so I issue this warning.”

(Mell: Tseng wins Player of the Year, Vare Trophy)

Seo told Tseng she thought of her when looking at the caution message stamped to her car’s side-view mirror on the way to the awards reception.

“The sticker I think is meant for you,” Seo said. “It says `Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.’”

Seo was runner-up at the U.S. Women’s Open after losing a playoff to So Yeon Ryu.

Tseng was the night’s star attraction, coming front and center to receive her second consecutive Rolex Player of the Year award after winning seven LPGA events, including two majors. She also locked up her first Vare Trophy for low scoring average.

On a night where the most prestigious awards were swept by Asians, the South Korean Seo and Taiwanese Tseng both delivered strong speeches in their second languages, English. Tseng drew a laugh when she talked about the joy of winning in front of the adoring crowds in Taiwan last month.

“My caddie said he thought he was caddying for Lady Gaga,” Tseng said.