Kim Hyoju "Title Sweep GO~"... What About 'Grand Prize No.1' Choi Hyejin?

Choi Hye-jin Secures 3rd Win at SK Networks·Seoul Economic Ladies Classic with Title Defense, Lee So-mi Aims for 2nd Consecutive Victory

Kim Hyo-joo embarked on a quest for her third victory at the SK Networks·Seoul Economic Ladies Classic opening on the 29th.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Title sweep."

It is Kim Hyo-joo's (25, Lotte) hunt for her third victory. The SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic (total prize money 800 million won), part of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, is being held on the 29th at Pinx Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,638 yards). Following her win at the Lotte Cantata Ladies Open in June and her victory at the KB Financial Star Championship on the 18th, she has already secured her second win. Not only is she leading in wins, but she also tops the prize money list (656 million won) and the average score ranking (69.17 strokes), creating a strong momentum.

Kim Hyo-joo earned the nickname "monster" by dominating the professional stage since her amateur days. In 2012, she swept up trophies in Korea (Lotte Mart Ladies Open), Japan (Suntory), and Taiwan (Swinging Skirts). She turned professional in October and achieved the shortest period to a win (2 months and 11 days) at the Hyundai China Ladies Open in December. In 2014, she claimed five wins and became the 'quadruple crown' winner, leading in wins, prize money, average score, and the Player of the Year award. The highlight was her victory at the LPGA Tour's Evian Championship in September.

She moved to the United States in 2015, winning the Founders Cup in March and the Bahamas Classic in January 2016, totaling three wins. It is surprising that Kim Hyo-joo experienced a slump afterward. She regained her shot feel during winter training in 2018 and made a 'comeback mode' last year with three runner-up finishes. This season, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), she is focusing on the domestic circuit. She expressed her determination, saying, "I definitely want to maintain the number one spot in average score."

The player to watch is Choi Hye-jin (21), the current leader in the Player of the Year race. It is a mystery that last year's five-time champion has yet to win this season. She has entered the top 10 twelve times in thirteen tournaments but has repeatedly fallen short at the doorstep of victory. At the S-Oil Championship in June, she shot 8-under par on the first day, but the tournament was canceled due to severe weather, resulting in a 'first place without a win,' adding to her misfortunes. She is determined to defend her position on the 'promised land' where she achieved a three-stroke victory last year.

Lee So-mi (21), champion of the Huencare Ladies Open, is aiming for back-to-back wins. Park Hyun-kyung (20, Korea Land & Housing Trust), ranked second in prize money, Lim Hee-jung (20, Hanwha Q CELLS), third, and Yoo Hae-ran (19, SK Networks), fourth, are all eager for the 160 million won first prize at this tournament to compete with Kim Hyo-joo for the 'prize money queen' title. Overseas players such as Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal), winner of the 'national title' Korea Women's Open, and Lee Jeong-eun 6 (24, Daebang Construction) are also strong contenders for the title.