Park In-bee's Olympic Back-to-Back Victory March "For a New History"... Ko Jin-young, Kim Se-young, and Kim Hyo-joo Join

Tokyo Olympics Women's Golf Opening on the 4th: World No.1 Korda and Home Course Hataoka Compete for Gold Medal

'Golf Empress' Park In-bee has started her title defense at the Tokyo Olympics.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Golf Empress' Park In-bee (33, KB Financial Group) is advancing toward her second consecutive Olympic gold.

On the 4th, at Kasumigaseki Golf Club in Saitama Prefecture, Japan (par 71, 6,648 yards), the Tokyo Olympic women's golf title defense began. Golf was reinstated as an official event after 112 years since the 1904 St. Louis Games in the United States, having returned at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This time, it was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty players compete over four days in stroke play to determine the medalists. There is no 'cut off.'

Park In-bee was the gold medalist at the Rio Olympics five years ago. She achieved the world's first 'Career Golden Slam' in golf history by adding an Olympic victory to wins in four different majors. She debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2007 and has amassed a total of 21 wins, including seven majors. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the youngest age (27 years, 10 months, and 28 days) in 2016, and if she wins the newly added fifth major, the Evian Championship, she will achieve a 'Career Super Slam.'

At the Rio Olympics, Park In-bee defeated Lydia Ko (New Zealand), who finished second, by five strokes in a decisive victory. She is currently focusing on achieving a second consecutive Olympic gold. She joined the tour early this year and has played in 13 tournaments to improve her condition. Including her victory at the Kia Classic in March, she has finished in the 'top 10' seven times. She skipped last week's ISPS Handa World Invitational to focus on the Olympics.

Korea's Ko Jin-young, Kim Se-young, and Kim Hyo-joo (from left) will compete for medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

Kasumigaseki Golf Club is a course that requires precise shots rather than long drives. Pine trees line each hole, and the distinction between fairways and rough is clear. Tee shots must land on the fairway to make attacking the green easier. Park In-bee, equipped with her 'needle-like iron shots,' is considered a strong favorite to win. "My Olympic preparation is complete," said Park In-bee, adding, "I see the Olympic gold medal at home every day," and expressed her fighting spirit by saying, "Every time I see it, I want to have one more."

Korea is represented by 'Number 2' Ko Jin-young (26), along with Kim Se-young (28, Mediheal) and Kim Hyo-joo (26, Lotte). Ko Jin-young and Kim Hyo-joo, each with one win this year, are making their Olympic debuts, while Kim Se-young is participating for the second time after Rio. World No. 1 Nelly Korda (USA) is aiming for the top spot. She is the only player this season with three wins. Home course player Hataoka Nasa (Japan) is a dark horse. She has been focusing on this event, even giving up the Evian Championship two weeks ago.