Isomi 2nd Place One Stroke Behind "Title Defense GO~"... Na Heewon Leads

KLPGA Tour 2022 Season Opening Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open Day 3 4-Under, Park Gyeol Tied 8th "Shot Eagles Bang Bang"

Lee So-mi (right) is watching the ball immediately after the tee shot on the 3rd hole on the third day of the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] It is Lee So-mi's (23, SBI Savings Bank) 'march toward a 2nd consecutive victory.'

On the 9th, at the Lotte Skyhill Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (par 72, 6,395 yards), the third day of the 2022 KLPGA Tour season opener, the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women's Open (total prize money 700 million KRW), Lee So-mi shot 4 under par to rise to 2nd place by 1 stroke (7 under par 209). Na Hee-won (28, High1 Resort) leads at 8 under par 208, Park Ji-young (26, Korea Land Trust) is 3rd at 6 under par 210, and Kim Hae-rim (33, Samchully) is tied for 4th at 5 under par 211, all in pursuit.

Lee So-mi, who joined the KLPGA Tour in 2019, is a next-generation prospect who immediately secured her first victory at the 2020 Huencare Women's Open in October. She gained momentum by winning this tournament last April and reached her 'third career win' at the MBN Women's Open in August. This time, she is aiming not only to defend her title but also to become the tournament's first 'multiple winner,' a remarkable record. Starting from a tie for 11th place, she recorded five birdies and one bogey, including three consecutive birdies from holes 7 to 9. She said, "The pin positions were tricky," and added her determination, "I will give my all until the very end."

On the other hand, third-round leader Kim Hae-rim suffered a critical blow with two birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey on the 14th hole (par 3). However, she is still in a strong position to compete for the win. Park Gyeol (26, Samil Pharmaceutical) made an interesting move by scoring two 'shot eagles' on the 9th hole (par 5) and the 11th hole (par 4). Adding three birdies and three bogeys, she shot 4 under par and surged to a tie for 8th place (4 under par 212). 'Mom golfer' Ahn Sun-joo (35) remained tied for 16th place (2 under par 124).