Wildfires are no new to the world, and there is another one blazing through Los Angeles. On January 7, 2025, several wildfires burned out of control on the west and east sides of Los Angeles County, killing at least seven people. The largest blaze was in Pacific Palisades has forced at least 60,000 people to evacuate their homes. Among those affected is South Korean professional golfer, Jenny Shin.

Shin was flying to LAX that day when she captured the red skies over Pacific Palisades and posted on Instagram, “This was what I saw as I was landing in LAX yesterday morning. Words cannot describe the feeling as I smelt smoke walking out of the airport, witnessing the disaster driving through.” It’s clear how deeply she felt the situation. And why not? The 32-year-old visited the city very often since a 9-year-old. And Pacific Palisades has always been one of her favourite places. 

Capturing the smoky red skies, she wrote, “I am truly sorry to all residents that lost their homes, belongings, and their life sentiments from the fires. Pacific Palisades was one of my fav cities that I visited frequently and I am absolutely devastated to see the destruction. Life can take such a turn when least expected, my heart goes out to all those in need ❤️.”

Having spent 23 years of her life in the city, Jenny Shin’s connection to Pacific Palisades runs deep. It is where her golfing journey began, and where she spent countless hours honing her sport.

Jenny Shin’s LA golfing journey

Shin moved to the U.S. from South Korea when she was just 9. She became one of the best amateur golfers in LA. She became the champion of the USGA U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in 2006, even before starting high school. Throughout high school, she led Torrance High to three straight CIF state titles and earned the title of Daily Breeze Girls Golfer of the Year three times in a row from 2007 to 2009.

Even with future LPGA stars like Jane Rah and Demi Runas on her team, Shin always stood out. Her coach, Devin Kushi, shared, “I always got a sense that Jenny was driven to excel and that golf was her life. She would practice for hours. Golf was her No. 1 priority.” 

After Rah and Runas graduated, Shin stepped into the spotlight as the star of the Tartars. She lead them to the CIF state title during her senior year in 2009. Pretty epic right? Following that success, she made a bold move and jumped straight into the pro circuit. For the first three-and-a-half months on the Futures Tour, she struggled big time. Shin didn’t finish higher than 25th in any tournament. “It was extremely tough,” she said, reflecting on that rough start. “Being broke and desperate helped. I worked hard to step up my game and I did.”

Now, five years later, she has 130 top 25 finishers. Her last event was the CME Group Tour Championship, where she finished one over par in a tie for 55th place. As she gears up for another season, there’s no doubt Jenny will keep pushing forward – fueled by passion and determination. What do you think of her chances in 2025?