[Golf Topic] Oh Kyung-eun "First Professional Hole-in-One"..."K9 Jackpot~"

Oh Kyung-eun is taking a commemorative photo in front of the K9 car she received as a prize after making a hole-in-one on the 14th hole on the second day of the Lotte Cantata Women's Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Jeju=Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] ○…"K9 Jackpot."

Rookie Oh Kyung-eun (20ㆍPNS) made her first professional hole-in-one on the 14th hole (par 3) on the second day of the Lotte Cantata Women's Open (total prize money 600 million KRW) held on the 5th at Lotte Skyhill Golf Club Sky & Ocean Course (par 72ㆍ6,373 yards) in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. It was a 5-iron shot from a distance of 155 yards. Although she finished 2 under par that day and an even par 144 total over two rounds, missing the cut, she took consolation in a K9 car worth about 60 million KRW.

Oh Kyung-eun naturally started golf when she was in the 4th grade of elementary school at age 11, as her father Oh Han-yeol (48) ran a practice range. Her father was also a pro who coached at the golf academy established by native instructor Choi Myung-ho (52) at the Songbai Resort in Huangshan, China. This is why Oh Kyung-eun competed on the Chinese junior circuit during middle school. After returning to Korea, she followed an elite path, being selected as a national team reserve in her second year at Sokcho Girls' High School and as a national team member in her third year.

She passed the KLPGA Tour qualifying tournament in 13th place last November, earning her ticket for the 2020 season. It is encouraging that she has already gained ample practical experience on the Dream (2nd tier) Tour. It is interesting that from her rookie season she secured strong sponsorship support from various sponsors such as clothing brand Hazzys Golf and golf equipment brand Titleist. Oh Kyung-eun said, "I am satisfied that my shot feel has improved this time," and added, "I will show a better performance next time."