Dayeon Lee "Leap to 1-Stroke Lead"..."138-Yard Shot Eagle Power~"

KLPGA Tour 2021 Season Opening Round Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open Day 2: Jeong Seul-gi 2 Under Par, 2nd Place by 1 Stroke, Choi Hye-jin 5th Place

Lee Dayeon is examining the putting line on the 18th hole during the second day of the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] "138-yard shot eagle."

Lee Da-yeon (24, Mediheal) recorded 2-under par on the second day of the 2021 KLPGA Tour season opener, the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women's Open (total prize money 600 million KRW), held on the 9th at Lotte Skyhill Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,301 yards), rising to the top spot by one stroke at 5-under par 139. Jung Seul-gi (26, Huons) is in second place at 4-under par 140, while Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card) and Lee So-mi (21) are tied for third at 3-under par 141, engaging in a chase.

Lee Da-yeon combined one eagle, three birdies, and three bogeys. Although she had consecutive bogeys on holes 2 and 3, the shot eagle on the 6th hole (par 4) proved powerful. The ball she hit with a 7-iron bounced once on the green and went straight into the hole. The bogey on the 9th hole (par 5) was recovered with a birdie on the 11th hole (par 4), and she added two more birdies on the final 14th and 18th holes. "The greens were too fast, so I couldn't get a feel for putting in the front nine," she said, adding, "I think I can play better tomorrow," showing determination.

Lee Da-yeon is a flagship star of the KLPGA Tour, having won a total of five titles including the Phantom Classic in October 2017. She gained even more spotlight by winning the E1 Charity Open in May 2018 and the 'national title' Korean Women's Open in June 2019. Just three weeks later, she reached her fourth win at the Asiana Airlines Open, and in December, she topped the Hyosung Championship, which is included in the 2020 season. She has now seized another chance for victory after one year and four months.

Jung Seul-gi is aiming for her first win in two years and seven months since the KG-Edaily Ladies Open in September 2018. Jang Ha-na, who started as the leader, lost one stroke with two birdies and three bogeys. Last year's Player of the Year, Choi Hye-jin (22, Lotte), is tied for fifth at 1-under par 143. Her 'rollercoaster play' continued with five birdies, three bogeys, and one double bogey. 2019 champion Jo Ah-yeon (21, Dongbu Construction) is tied for 11th at 1-over par 145, continuing her pursuit of a second consecutive win.