KJ Choi Invitational Opens on 24th, Lee Su-min Defends Title, 'KJ Choi Kids' Including Lee Jae-kyung and Kim Min-gyu Join
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Returning to the basics."
'Two-time champion' Kim Han-byul (22, photo) is challenging the great record of 'winning three consecutive Korean Tour tournaments.' The battle begins on the 24th at Ferrum Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 7,235 yards) at the KPGA Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1 billion KRW). This stage was established in 2011 by 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom) under his name. It is unfortunate that he will not participate this year due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Kim Han-byul is a top rookie who debuted on the tour last year. On the 30th of last month, she achieved her first victory after an extended playoff against Lee Jae-kyung (21, CJ O Shopping) at the Hazzy's Golf KPGA Open, and on the 13th, she won the Shinhan Donghae Open (total prize money 1.4 billion KRW), building a golden tower of 'two consecutive tournament wins' for the first time in 5 years and 11 months since Park Sang-hyun (37, Dong-A Pharmaceutical) swept the Biner-Fine Ries Open in August 2014 and the KJ Invitational in October. It is truly a brilliant performance.
This time, she is aiming for a 'three consecutive wins' streak, starting from the 2000 Hyundai Motor Masters by Choi Kwang-soo (60), including the Pocari Sweat Open and the Bugyeong Open. It is an opportunity to set another milestone after 20 years and 2 months. It is noteworthy that Kim Han-byul currently ranks first in both the Player of the Year points (2,975 points) and prize money (417.75 million KRW). She is hunting 'two rabbits' by solidifying a sweep of individual titles. She raised expectations, saying, "My play has become more stable by improving my tee shots."
Defending champion Lee Soo-min (27) recalls the thrilling memory of winning the prize money title last year, fueled by her victory at this tournament. She ignited her fighting spirit, saying, "I absolutely cannot give up for a second consecutive prize money title." Lee Tae-hee (36), ranked second in both Player of the Year and prize money, also took a last stand. Past champions such as Joo Heung-chul (39) in 2016, Hwang In-chun (46) in 2017, and Park Sung-guk (32) in 2018 have joined the competition. Lee Jae-kyung (21) and Kim Min-gyu (19, both from CJ Logistics), known as 'Choi Kyung-ju Kids,' are dark horses.
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