Imirim's '2 Consecutive Wins March'... What About Henderson?

Kambia Challenges Back-to-Back Wins at Portland Classic, Henderson Aims for 3rd Title, Korea's Kim Se-young, Park In-bi, and Park Sung-hyun Join

Imirim will challenge for her second consecutive win at the Cambia Portland Classic.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Im I-rim (30, NH Investment & Securities), the 'ANA Champ,' is on a 'two consecutive wins march.'

On the night of the 18th (Korean time), the Cambia Portland Classic (total prize money $1.75 million), part of the LPGA Tour, is being held at Columbia Edgewater Golf Course (par 72, 6,478 yards) in Portland, Oregon, USA. This year, the prize money increased by $450,000, making the event larger. However, due to hazardous air quality caused by wildfires in the Pacific Northwest region, the tournament was shortened from 72 holes to 54 holes. Korea has not had a winner for 10 years since Hur Mi-jung (31, Daebang Construction) in 2009.

Im I-rim had the best week. On the 14th, at Mission Hills Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, California, she won the second major of the 2020 season, the ANA Inspiration (total prize money $3.1 million), after a playoff battle. It was her first major victory and her fourth career win, ending a 'winning drought' since the Kia Classic in March 2017, 3 years and 6 months ago. Especially on the final day, she amazed everyone by successfully making chip-ins three times.

"I had chip-ins twice in one day before, but never three times," she recalled, "I still can't believe it." At the ANA Inspiration, her average driving distance over four rounds reached 269 yards, showing powerful long shots. If her iron shots and putting improve, a first-ever back-to-back win is also possible. She has played in this tournament four times, finishing tied for 5th in 2017 and tied for 9th in 2018. She declared, "I will play with confidence and enjoy it."

Brook Henderson aims for her first victory at the Cambia Portland Classic.

Brooke Henderson (Canada) is another strong contender. She achieved back-to-back wins in 2015 and 2016. She is on the rise after finishing tied for 2nd with Nelly Korda (USA) at the ANA Inspiration. Nelly Korda, who lost in a playoff last week, and 2017 champion Stacy Lewis (USA) have joined the race for the title. Defending champion Hannah Green (Australia) is aiming to defend her title, and No Ye-rim (USA), who finished runner-up last year with a bogey on the 18th hole (par 4), is seeking revenge.

Korea's Kim Se-young (27, Mirae Asset) is challenging for her first win of the season again. She recently finished tied for 5th and tied for 18th in the last two tournaments. 'Golf queen' Park In-bi (32, KB Financial Group) is aiming for her second win of the season and her 21st career victory. Park Sung-hyun (27), ranked No. 4, who returned to the field last week after 10 months, urgently needs to tune her competitive shot skills. Jeon In-ji (26, KB Financial Group), Im Mi-hyang (27, Volvik), Yang Hee-young (31, Woori Financial Group), Ji Eun-hee (34), and Kim In-kyung (32, Hanwha Q CELLS) are also participating together.