Jane Park: From LPGA Golfer to Aspiring Artist

In 2020, former professional golfer Jane Park made a life-changing decision to retire from the LPGA Tour to provide full-time care for her daughter, Grace, who experienced severe brain damage due to seizures during her infancy. As a dedicated mother, Park found herself in search of a new outlet to satisfy her competitive spirit. What she discovered was a passion for art.

A New Beginnings as an Artist

At 39, the Southern California native embarked on her journey as a self-taught artist, learning through YouTube tutorials. Within just 11 months, she gained significant recognition, completing numerous commissioned works. Notable projects include a portrait of Clayton Kershaw for LPGA Tour player Lizette Salas, and a piece honoring former Solheim Cup captain Stacey Lewis following her recent retirement.

The LPGA Tour recognized Park’s talent and commissioned her to create five unique paintings representing the different eras of the tour’s 75-year history. These artworks will be utilized for giveaways, gifts, and charity auctions, reflecting a vibrant history of women’s golf.

Personal Touch and Family Connections

Park frequently creates art inspired by her personal connections. One highlight includes gifting surfing-themed paintings to her former UCLA teammate Tiffany Joh, which now adorn Joh’s apartment. The ambitious artist often shares her creations on Instagram and already had her Christmas gifts painted and dispatched by early December.

Creative Process and Studio Time

Art became a therapeutic escape for Park. Her journey began when an aunt gifted her art supplies during a visit. "I just started messing with acrylic paints one day and looked up YouTube videos to figure out techniques," Park explained in an interview. "It just kind of snowballed from there."

Balancing Art and Caregiving

Grace, who is now 5 years old and faces refractory epilepsy and significant challenges due to her condition, often spends time in the studio with her mother. While Grace watches toddler learning videos, Park immerses herself in her creative process. "It’s a super peaceful time that she and I can spend together," Park said. "I’m able to do something that I enjoy with my favorite person in the world next to me."

Park’s husband, Pete Godfrey, an LPGA caddie, supports her creative pursuits while being on the road for much of the year. “Honestly, it takes my brain off of everything,” Park revealed. “I’m able to turn on some music, put on some headphones, and let the world fade away.”

A Passion for Sport and Portraiture

Despite her focus on sports, Park has candidly acknowledged her struggles with painting faces, often opting to capture the essence of athletes instead. From portraits of Tiger Woods to LPGA golfers, Park’s art reflects her deep connections within the sports community.

Godfrey enthusiastically watches Park’s artistic growth, remarking, "I see this as a variation on her dedication to golf. It’s something that she’s picked up and now developing."

The Future: Endless Possibilities

In a brief return to the LPGA in 2023, Park participated in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, showcasing her enduring connection to the sport. As the holidays approach, she looks forward to sharing her latest artistic projects with visiting family and friends.

Reflecting on her journey, Park expresses gratitude for both her daughter’s life and her own experiences. “If I could change anything, I would want my daughter to not suffer,” she admits. “The amount of love people have shown her has changed the chemistry of my brain.”

When asked about her artistic future, Park shared, “It’s a challenging hobby I’ll never perfect. Golf is the same way. It’s been fun and a challenge, and I’m not one to back down from a challenge.”

As Jane Park continues to evolve as an artist and mother, her story illustrates resilience and the power of creativity in navigating life’s most profound challenges.