Lee So-mi 'Opening Match Victory'... "I am the Queen of the Wind"

KLPGA Tour 2021 Season Opening Round Lotte Rent-a-Car Women's Open Final Day '2-Stroke Victory', Jang Hana 2nd Place

Lee So-mi is posing for a commemorative photo with the trophy placed in front of her immediately after winning the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The wind is perfect."

Lee So-mi (22, SBI Savings Bank) won the opening event of the 2021 season of the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. On the final day of the Lotte Rent-a-Car Ladies Open (total prize money 600 million KRW) held on the 11th at Lotte Skyhill Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,301 yards), she maintained an even-par score to secure a 2-stroke victory (6-under 282). This was her first win of the season and her second career victory just six months after the Huen Care Ladies Open in October last year, earning a winner's prize of 126 million KRW.

Lee So-mi started with a 2-stroke lead and recorded three birdies and three bogeys. Although a bogey on the 3rd hole (par 4) was concerning, consecutive birdies on the 6th and 7th holes lifted her spirits, and a bogey on the 9th hole (par 5) was recovered with a birdie on the 15th hole (par 5). The par save on the crucial 16th hole (par 4) was significant. Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card), who closed the gap to one stroke, had her third shot roll down the green slope, leading to a three-putt and a double bogey, widening the margin.

Lee So-mi's bogey on the 17th hole (par 3) did not affect her victory. It is interesting that she is particularly strong in windy conditions. During her first win, she effectively tackled South Links Golf Club in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, finishing with a 9-under score, and in this tournament, she did not record a single over-par round throughout all four rounds. She cheered, saying, "When the wind is strong, I only focus on my own play," and added, "Training in Jeju last winter was a great help."

Jang Ha-na was satisfied with second place (4-under 284) after reducing her score by only one stroke. She struggled on the greens, missing a 6.3-yard putt on the 17th hole and a 1.6-yard birdie putt on the 18th hole (par 5). Jung Seul-gi (26) climbed to third place (1-under 287) with a strong finish at 2-under, and Lim Hee-jung (21, Korea Land & Housing Corporation Trust) posted a daily best 3-under to take fourth place (even par 288). The 2019 champion Jo Ah-yeon (21) failed to defend her title, finishing tied for fifth (1-over 289).

On the other hand, Lee Da-yeon (24, Mediheal), who started in second place, collapsed with a 6-over score and dropped to a tie for ninth (2-over 290). She fell out of the winning contention early, including an out-of-bounds (OB) on her second shot at the 6th hole (par 4). Last year's top player Choi Hye-jin (22, Lotte) also tasted disappointment, finishing tied for 12th (4-over 292). A triple bogey on the 2nd hole (par 4) was a critical blow. Although she made four consecutive birdies from the 8th to the 11th holes, it was too late.