SINGAPORE — Her aim is to be the HSBC Women’s Champions first back-to-back winner, especially after her scintillating performance at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course last year, which included a career-first bogey-free round.

But a major stumbling block stands in Park In-bee’s plan to conquer the US$1.5 million (S$2.1 million) tournament, often described as Asia’s Major, and its star-studded field this year — and, no, the problem is not world No 1 Lydia Ko.

Instead, Park’s main problem is with herself — or rather with a long-time back injury which has flared up again this month.

The South Korean world No 2 was forced to take a month off from golf after pulling out of the LPGA Tour’s season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas Classic. She only returned to action at the Honda LPGA Thailand tour last week where she finished 30th.

Park has been dealing with the injury for six years but is now starting to worry more about it as she is nearing her 30s.

“I really need to worry about my body,” said the 27-year-old. “I never thought I have to say these kinds of things, about being healthy or not getting any injury, but I am running to my 30s, and I realised that staying healthy is so important.

“I am trying to work around the schedule this year, so it is not too hard on my body.”

Apart from adding to her collection of seven Major titles, Park is also gunning for a place in the Rio Olympics. Golf is making a return to the Summer Games for the first time since 1904, and Park is keen to be part of it.

But competition for places will be very intense as each nation will be limited to a maximum of four golfers.

There are currently seven South Korean women in the world’s top 12 rankings. And if Park’s back acts up during the season, it could scupper her chances of competing in Rio.

“Rankings are moving every week, and competition is so strong. We (South Korean players) try to avoid talking (about Olympic qualification), because it is a sensitive subject for everyone,” said Park.

However, the Zika virus epidemic — which affects pregnant women and women who are going to get pregnant the most as it has been linked to microcephaly, a condition which sees infants born with small heads and brain damage — is also on Park’s mind.

“I do plan to get pregnant in a couple of years’ time or so, so definitely I am concerned,” said Park who is married to her swing coach Gi Hyeob Nam. “I don’t know if that would be the reason why I shouldn’t go though. It is still six months from now, so we just have to see what happens.”

HSBC Women’s Champions

Date: 3-6 March

Venue: Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club

Tickets: http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/hsbc0316