DUBAI: The environment, as an influencer, let her play golf at 10. In 2012, she was designated the Special Olympics Global Ambassador.

On Monday and ahead of the Dec. 6-9 Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, she spent an hour with girls at the putting green and at the driving range of the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

For an hour and amid the desert winter winds and afternoon sun, she simply was the big sister, rather than the mentor, to seven future lady golfers—people of determination—as she has been to others out there across the world giving them that support system necessary so that whatever status and condition one is in, the dream of embracing one’s goal in life becomes real.

That sprited lady, observed to build up each of her mentee with high fives and encouraging words such as “Don’t worry. It’s your first time,” is In-Kyung Kim.

In between the clinic, Kim or IK as her namesake is told The Gulf Today it is support system which is undeniably what everybody needs.

Born in Seoul, South Korea 29 years ago, IK grew up seeing her father, CJ Kim, deep into “all kinds of sport” specifically golf.

So it was au naturel for her to fall in love with it: “I also had a classmate and I was surrounded with friends who play golf.” The other hook was her penchant for nature.

World Games-Abu Dhabi 2019 CEO Peter Wheeler said the British Ladies Open champion immediately agreed to his proposal to conduct a clinic for the people of determination community in the UAE, particularly with aspiring young adolescent girls: “I emailed her when I learnt that she would be here for the competitions.”

It was IK who liaised with the Special Olympics management in 2012, a staunch believer of what the international organisation has been into, saying it is worth to share with everyone what one has learnt and achieved.

Since then, touching base with special athletes across the globe has been calendared in her tours.

On Monday, Ruby Hamilton from Abu Dhabi, was among IK’s students.

Her mother, Stephanie said the 11-year-old wants to try all kinds of sport: “She got excited when I and her dad informed her about (Kim’s visit and if she wanted to take part).”

The clinic was devoid of lectures yet full of the swings and hits on the green which included a session wherein IK dropped two poles, parallel to each other, as the boundary for the proper golf posture and handling of the club.

Stephanie was thankful that family, in the UAE for 21 years, met Wheeler last summer in Abu Dhabi: “Some of our children with special needs will not be necessarily chosen for sports team. But the Special Olympics allows them the opportunity to try and to be included.”

Towards the end of the fun clinic and asked if she sees herself putting up her own golf school with the PWDs, IK replied: “I have not thought of that since I still play competitively at the tours. That is a great idea. Thank you for that.”