KLPGA Tour 2022 Season Opening Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open "Going for 2 Consecutive Wins," Jo Ah-yeon 'Title Contender,' Jang Ha-na and Park Hyun-kyung 'Rivals'
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Master of the Wind’ Lee So-mi (23, SBI Savings Bank) is aiming for her second consecutive victory.
Lee So-mi will compete in the 2022 KLPGA Tour season opener, the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open (total prize money 700 million KRW), which begins on the 7th at Lotte Skyhill Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju (par 72, 6,395 yards). A total of 120 players will participate in this tournament, which will be decided over four days of 72-hole stroke play. The winner’s prize money is 126 million KRW. This tournament will be held without spectators. From the newly established Mediheal-Korea Daily Championship on the 14th, galleries will be allowed for the first time in 30 months.
Lee So-mi is a player who performs well in strong wind conditions. She has accumulated three wins on the KLPGA Tour. She achieved her first career victory at the Huencare Women’s Open held at South Links Golf Club in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, in October 2020. She then overcame the strong winds of Jeju to win the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open last year by two strokes. Her powerful long drives are her main weapon. She recorded a driving distance of 245.56 yards (12th) and a fairway hit rate of 77.18% (30th).
Her greens in regulation rate of 76.72% (11th) and average putts of 30.35 (27th) are also solid. She set up a training camp in Jeju Island this past winter. She prepared perfectly by practicing both at the driving range and on the course. If she wins, she will become the first player to win this tournament twice in a row. Lee So-mi said, “This is my first title defense,” adding, “I am trying to maintain composure rather than feel pressure.” She analyzed, “Performance will depend on course management and weather. The greens are difficult, so putting is important.”
With ‘domestic number one’ Park Min-ji (24, NH Investment & Securities) absent due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, 2019 champion Cho A-yeon (22, Dongbu Construction) is being mentioned as a favorite to win. Cho A-yeon said, “This tournament holds good memories as I won it during my rookie year,” and added, “I have trained hard in the U.S., so I will play with confidence.” Jang Ha-na (30, BC Card), Park Hyun-kyung (22, Korea Land & Housing Corporation), and Yoo Hae-ran (21, KTB Financial Group) are considered strong contenders. The participation of ‘JLPGA 28-win champion’ Ahn Sun-ju (35, National Beef) is also a hot topic.
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