Kim Sei-young, Park In-bee, Park Sung-hyun and other Korean main players largely absent, with Ji Eun-hee, Choi Woon-jung, Shin Ji-eun and 7 others declaring participation
Jieunhee, Choi Woonjung, and Shin Jieun (from left) challenge their first win at the Drive On Championship.
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "If you don't have teeth, use your gums."
This is the determination of the Taegeuk Nangja ahead of the Drive On Championship - Reynolds Lake Oconee (total prize money $1.3 million) on the LPGA Tour. It will be held for four days starting on the 23rd (Korean time) at Great Waters Golf Club in Greensboro, Georgia, USA (par 72, 6,852 yards). It is notable that the LPGA Tour raised funds to cover expenses after the 'Asian Swing' was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naturally, there is no title sponsor. This is why the tournament name uses the tour slogan 'Drive On.' The LPGA Tour held a tournament with the same name and format last August. This time, the host resort's name was added to distinguish it. Many of Korea's main players are absent. Se-young Kim (27, Mirae Asset), who won the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship two weeks ago, returned home early and entered self-quarantine due to COVID-19.
All this year's winners, including In-bee Park (32, KB Financial Group), currently ranked first in prize money, major ANA Inspiration champion Mi-rim Lee (30, NH Investment & Securities), and Hee-young Park (33, Isu Group), are absent. Sung-hyun Park (27), In-ji Jeon (26, KB Financial Group), Hee-young Yang (31, Woori Financial Group), and Mi-hyang Lee (27, Volvik) are also not participating. World No. 1 Jin-young Ko (25), Hyo-joo Kim (25, Lotte), Jeong-eun Lee 6 (24, Daebang Construction), and So-yeon Ryu (30, Mediheal) are only competing domestically.
Among the 108 entrants, seven are Korean players. The 'eldest sister' Eun-hee Ji (34, Hanwha Q CELLS) leads the team. She debuted in 2007, has five career wins, and is currently ranked 50th in the world. She has shown consistency by making the cut in all five tournaments she entered this year. Ji-eun Shin (28, Hanwha Q CELLS) supports her. Her best result was a tie for 5th at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship last August. Un-jung Choi (30, Volvik), who is having the worst year, urgently needs to change the atmosphere.
Although Korean players are absent, the list of favorites is long. Danielle Kang is aiming for her third win, and champions such as Stacy Lewis, Austin Ernst (both USA), Mel Reid (England), Sophia Popov (Germany), and Gaby Lopez (Mexico) have all gathered. Brooke Henderson (Canada), Lexi Thompson (USA), Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand), Lydia Ko (New Zealand), and Minjee Lee (Australia) are all targeting the $195,000 (about 220 million KRW) first prize.
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