BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup Title Defense, 'Major Queen' Park Hyun-kyung Top Favorite, Jang Ha-na Joins
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the title defense match for Kim Ji-young2 (25, SK Networks).
The BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup (total prize money 700 million KRW) of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, opening on the 24th at Pocheon Hills Golf Club (par 72, 6,610 yards) in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, is a fierce battleground. ‘5-win champ’ Park Min-ji (NH Investment & Securities) chose to rest. Kim Ji-young2 debuted in 2016 and made news during the April Samchully Together Open when her par putt missed the hole in a playoff, leading to a ‘concede happening’ where she marked Park Sung-hyun’s (28) ball.
In May 2017, she achieved her first win at the NH Investment & Securities Ladies after 36 KLPGA Tour events. Last June, in this tournament, she shot 5-under par on the final day to tie with Park Min-ji and then succeeded in a 6-meter eagle putt on the second playoff hole. Her main weapon is a powerful drive shot exceeding 256 yards on average. This year, Kim Ji-young2 has entered the ‘top 10’ five times in nine tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the KLPGA Championship. She placed 8th at last week’s Korea Women’s Open.
‘KLPGA Championship champ’ Park Hyun-kyung (21, Korea Land & Housing Corporation) is a strong favorite to win. She ranks 2nd in prize money, 3rd in points for the overall title, and 4th in average score. Her recent two consecutive runner-up finishes add significance to this redemption match. Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card), winner of last month’s Lotte Open, aims for her second win at a sponsor’s tournament. This year’s champion group including Ji Han-sol (25, Dongbu Construction) and Lee So-mi (22, SBI Savings Bank) have also joined the competition.
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