‘National Title’ Korean Women's Open Day 1: Choi Hyerim 5-under 2nd, Park Hyunkyung 3-under Tied 8th, 4-under Par Start
Park Min-ji is making a chip shot on the 2nd hole on the first day of the Korean Women's Open. Photo by DB Group Korean Women's Open Organizing Committee
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the march toward the 5th victory for Park Min-ji (23, NH Investment & Securities), the 'No. 1 in Korea.'
On the 17th, at Rainbow Hills Golf Club in Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk (par 72, 6,763 yards), during the first day of the DB Group 35th Korea Women's Open (total prize money 1.2 billion KRW), a 'national title' event on the KLPGA Tour, she posted a 4-under-par and stood tied for 3rd place. Lee Ga-young (22, NH Investment & Securities) leads with 6-under-par 66 strokes, Choi Ye-rim (21, SK Networks) is in 2nd place with 5-under-par 67 strokes, and Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card) and Park Bo-gyeom (23, Hana Financial Group) are tied for 3rd.
Park Min-ji recorded six birdies and two bogeys. Although she started shakily with consecutive bogeys on holes 1 and 2, she changed the momentum with 'stepping stone birdies' on holes 6 and 8. In the back nine, she showed fierce stamina by making three consecutive birdies from holes 11 to 13, followed by another birdie on hole 16 (par 5). She is two strokes behind the leader, aiming for her second consecutive win in two weeks since the Celltrion Queens Masters, marking her 9th career victory. Park Min-ji is the strongest player this year, having won 4 times despite playing only 8 out of 9 tournaments.
Lee Gayoung is making an iron shot on the first hole on the first day of the Korean Women's Open. Photo by DB Group Korean Women's Open Organizing Committee
She ranks first in wins, prize money (648.05 million KRW), and MVP points (263 points). She has shown consistency by finishing in the 'top 10' for four consecutive years since 2017 at the Korea Women's Open. The only regret is that she has yet to win a major title. Lee Ga-young swept up nine birdies (one bogey, one double bogey) to dominate the top of the leaderboard. Although she joined the regular tour in 2019, she has yet to claim a title. Her personal best is runner-up at the ADT Caps Championship in her debut year.
This year, she is on the rise with 5th place finishes at the Nexen Saint Nine Masters and Kyochon Honey Ladies Open. Jang Ha-na, who ranks first in average score (69.55) and top 10 finish rate (87.50%), made one eagle and four birdies (two bogeys). Jang Ha-na, who said, "I was the most nervous this year," commented, "The wind direction is unpredictable," and added, "The scores from rounds 1 and 2 will likely be the winning score." Park Hyun-kyung (21, Korea Land & Housing Corporation), the 'KLPGA Championship champ,' started smoothly tied for 8th place (3-under-par 69 strokes).
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