Rookie Kim Yubin's Confidence: "My Scores Are Soaring Since I Mastered the Tee Shot~"

SK NetworksㆍSeoul Economic Ladies Classic Day 1: 7-Under Par Lead, Hwang Yullin 2nd, Lim Heejeong 3rd in Pursuit

Kim Yubin is aiming before her tee shot on the 3rd hole on the first day of the SK Networks·Seoul Economic Ladies Classic. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Rookie Kim Yubin (22, Hana Financial Group) was uneasy until last month.

Staying around 60th in prize money, the red light was on for maintaining her seed next year. However, on the 18th, she changed the mood by finishing tied for 19th at the KLPGA Tour major KB Financial Star Championship, and on the 25th, at the Huencare Ladies Open, she achieved her first-ever 'Top 10' finish, tied for 6th place, jumping to 37th in prize money (97.7 million won). This practically secured her retention in the first division. The key to her rebound was overcoming tee shot anxiety, close to the yips, through practice.

When there were no regular tour events, she participated in the Dream (2nd division) Tour to refine her shots. Although her strong point is powerful long drives, she sacrificed distance for better scores. She has been using a fairway wood for tee shots more often than a driver. Her average driving distance ranks 23rd (243.68 yards). "Until summer, my tee shots were poor, making it difficult to score," she said, explaining the secret behind her recent hot streak: "Since October, my tee shots have stabilized, and my results have improved."

On the 29th, at the SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic (total prize money 800 million won) held at Pinx Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,638 yards), she was on fire on the first day. She boasted flawless play with 7 birdies and no bogeys. This is her first time leading solo. She is 6th in rookie of the year points (762 points). Kim Yubin, who said "my tee shots, iron shots, and putting were all good," added, "I have gained confidence in my shots and will challenge for the rookie of the year title until the end."

Hwang Yullin (27), ranked 67th in prize money, is chasing in 2nd place, one stroke behind (6 under par 66). "If I can't keep my seed, I am considering retirement," she said, putting all her efforts into this. Lim Hee-jung (20, Hanwha Q CELLS) is 3rd (5 under par 67), and five players including Yoo Hae-ran (19, SK Networks) are tied for 4th (4 under par 68). Defending champion Choi Hye-jin (21, Lotte) was held back by a triple bogey on the 18th hole (par 4) and is tied for 14th (2 under par 70) along with Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte) and Park Hyun-kyung (20, Korea Land & Trust).