SK NetworksㆍSeoul Economic Ladies Classic Final Day 1-Under Par '2-Stroke Victory', Defending Champion Choi Hye-jin 8th Place
Jang Hana is receiving a shower of flower petals immediately after winning the SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic. Photo by KLPGA
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] "I love autumn."
Jang Hana (28, BC Card) finally secured her first win of the season. On the final day of the SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at Pinx Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,638 yards) on the 1st, she added 1-under par to complete a 2-stroke victory (7-under par 281). This marks her 13th career win, her first in a year since the BMW Ladies co-hosted with the LPGA Tour last October, with a winner's prize of 160 million KRW.
Jang Hana started tied for the lead, recording 3 birdies and 2 bogeys. Although a bogey on the 2nd hole (par 3) was shaky, she gained momentum with 'stepping stone birdies' on the 6th and 8th holes. She made impressive long putts of 9 yards on the 6th hole (par 4) and 14.3 yards on the 8th hole (par 4), riding the wave of momentum. A bogey on the 12th hole (par 4) was recovered with a birdie on the 14th hole (par 3). Her 4-round average green hit rate of 79.17% showcased her 'needle-like iron shots,' complemented by a 'stingy putting' average of 1.69 putts per hole.
Jang Hana debuted on the KLPGA Tour in 2011 and became a marquee star by winning the 'Money Queen' title in 2013. She moved to the LPGA Tour in 2015, capturing 3 wins and rising as a world star, achieving her 4th LPGA Tour win at the Australian Women's Open in February 2016. Interestingly, she suddenly returned to Korea in May, citing fatigue from life in the U.S. In March 2018, she won the Korea Investment & Securities Championship and the KLPGA Championship in April, successfully making a 'U-turn' comeback.
Last year, she showed a particularly strong performance in autumn, winning twice in October alone, including the Hana Financial Group Championship. In fact, 7 of her 13 career wins have come between September and November. Right after her home-run celebration with the putter, Jang Hana exclaimed, "When the putt went in on the 8th hole, I was confident I could win." She added, "My great-uncle recently passed away, so I hope this gives strength to my father who is going through a hard time," and expressed, "I want to play consistently well rather than focusing on titles."
Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte), the 'money leader,' finished tied for 2nd place (5-under par 283). Park Min-ji (22, NH Investment & Securities), Kim Ji-hyun (29, Hanwha Q CELLS), and Jeon Woo-ri (23) also joined the tie for 2nd place. Defending champion Choi Hye-jin (21) stopped at 8th place (2-under par 286). She has entered the top 10 thirteen times in fourteen tournaments, but the 5-time champion from last year is still feeling the pressure. Yoo Hae-ran (19, SK Networks), winner of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters, secured a tie for 9th place (1-under par 287), clinching the Rookie of the Year title early.
Jang Hana is celebrating her victory by hitting a home run with a putter right after winning the SK Networks Seoul Economic Ladies Classic. Photo by KLPGA
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