Golf course photos offer inspiration to players

The enthusiasm for golf in Korea contributes to the popularity of Korean golfers on the international pro golf circuit. Thus, it comes as no surprise that golf course photographer Joann Dost is making her way to Korea.
Her first solo exhibition here, hosted by a local golf marketing firm, R&G Marketing, will take place Monday and Tuesday at Merak Hall in the Imperial Palace Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul. The event showcases 40 color photographs detailing the scenic landscapes of nine famous golf courses around the world, including Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Cypress Point and Pacific Dunes.
A native of California, Ms. Dost is no stranger to the golf world, having toured on the LPGA circuit for five years, with several top-10 finishes. She crossed over to the world of photography in 1977 after viewing the natural charm of the Monterey Peninsula in northern California, where she currently resides.
Since then, she has traveled around the world, taking vivid snapshots of various golf courses in Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, Scotland and other locations that capture the visceral elements of nature, evoking the humanity and beauty in golf.
Her photos help golf enthusiasts see beyond the game as a sport by fusing the element of nature with golfers’ most intimate environment, the golf course. A number of celebrities, including Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicklaus, Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, are owners of Ms. Dost’s photographs.
“Her art is beautiful and wonderful and serves as an inspiration for all golfers. I personally was quite impressed when I first saw her art works last year,” said Y. D. Hong, the president of R&G Marketing.

by Daniel Lopez

The exhibition runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. The nearest subway station is Hakdong station on line no. 7, exit no. 1. For more information, call the hotel at 02-3440-8000 or visit the Web site www.joanndost.com.