Se-young Kim "I Love Islands"... Henderson's Challenge for 3 Consecutive Wins

Declaration to Win at Hawaii Lotte Championship: Park In-bee and Lee Jeong-eun 6 Join, Corda, Thompson, and Lydia Ko as 'Dark Horses'

Se-young Kim aims for her first victory in six years at the Lotte Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] World No. 3 Kim Se-young (28, Mediheal) is strong in specific regions.

She especially scores well on windy islands. This is why she is called the "Queen of Comebacks," the "Wizard of Red Pants," and now the "Queen of Islands." Since joining the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in 2015, she has won 3 of her 12 career victories on islands. From her rookie year, she collected three trophies at the Bahamas Pure Silk Classic (Bahamas), the Lotte Championship (Hawaii), and the Blue Bay LPGA (Hainan Island), earning Rookie of the Year honors.

She also claimed titles on the domestic stage at the Lotte Mart Women's Open (Jeju) and the KLPGA Championship (Daebudo). In fact, Kim Se-young’s parents are from Bigeumdo, Sinan, Jeollanam-do. It is explained that "her low cut shots make her stronger against the wind compared to other players." Kim Se-young is challenging for her first LPGA Tour win of the 2021 season on an island. The event is the Lotte Championship (total prize money $2 million), opening on the 15th (Korean time) at Kapolei Golf Club (par 72, 6,397 yards) on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA.

This is the 6th event of the season, with 144 players competing in stroke play over four days. The winner’s prize is $300,000 (about 340 million KRW). Kim Se-young is the hottest Korean female player. Despite returning in the second half of last year amid the chaotic COVID-19 situation, she kept winning. In October, she captured her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and in November, she immediately secured her second win at the Pelican Championship.

She is currently ranked No. 1 in LPGA Player of the Year and No. 2 in earnings. If she maintains this pace, securing a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics in August will be smooth. Kim Se-young is also determined to start her winning march on the "Promised Land." She recalls the epic 2015 Lotte Championship. On the final day’s 18th hole (par 4), her tee shot landed in the water, making defeat seem certain, but her fourth shot from the fringe miraculously dropped into the hole, enabling her to save par and force a playoff.

Tied with Park In-bee (33, KB Financial Group) at 11 under par (277 strokes), on the first playoff hole resumed at the 18th, her second shot from 150 yards with an 8-iron resulted in an eagle, creating a miracle. Two weeks ago, Kim Se-young finished tied for 3rd at the first major of the 2021 season, the ANA Inspiration, notably showing strong finishing with 6 under par on the final day. "I will play great golf at a place full of thrilling memories," she confidently declared.

Brook Henderson challenges for a 'third consecutive victory' at the Lotte Championship.

Brooke Henderson (Canada) is a strong favorite to win. She was the back-to-back champion in 2018 and 2019. Last year’s tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, so if she wins this year, she will set a rare record of "three consecutive wins." Korea’s lineup includes "Golf Empress" Park In-bee, Lee Jeong-eun 6 (25, Daebang Construction), and Kim Hyo-joo (26, Lotte). Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson (both USA), and Lydia Ko (New Zealand) are considered dark horses.