Inbee Park "Rematch for Runner-up in Hawaii"... Lydia Ko Defends Title

First Victory Challenge at Lotte Championship, Sponsors' Tournament Entry for Kim Hyoju and Choi Hyejin, 2018 and 2019 Champ Henderson 'Title Contender'

Park In-bee aims for her first victory of the 2022 season at the Lotte Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is a rematch for the ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bee (34, KB Financial Group).

On the 14th (Korean time), she will challenge for the championship at the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship (total prize money $2 million) held at Hoakalei Golf Club (par 72, 6,603 yards) on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA. Park In-bee narrowly finished as runner-up last year. On the final day, she unleashed a storm of 9-under-par shots but lost the winner’s trophy to Lydia Ko (New Zealand). Her average putting count of 26 and 100% bunker save rate at that time were impressive.

Park In-bee is a ‘living legend’ who has won a total of 21 LPGA Tour titles, including 7 majors. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 as the youngest ever (27 years, 10 months, 28 days). She achieved the world’s first ‘Career Golden Slam’ in golf history by winning four different majors and the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Park In-bee has participated in six tournaments this year. She tied for 8th place at the season opener Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January and the JTBC Classic last month.

Two weeks ago, she finished tied for 35th at her first major, the Chevron Championship. Her precise iron shots and outstanding putting skills have yet to fully return. She tends to perform relatively well in Hawaii. In 2015, at the Kapolei Golf Club where this tournament was held, she had a playoff battle with Kim Sei-young (29, Mediheal) and finished as runner-up. It is encouraging that her game sense is gradually coming back. The atmosphere for her 22nd career win since the Kia Classic victory last March is ripening.

Kim Hyo-joo participated in the Lotte Championship, a tournament sponsored by her sponsor.

While ‘Number 1’ Ko Jin-young is taking a break, Kim Hyo-joo (Lotte, both 27) aims for a victory at her sponsor’s tournament. She performed well with a tie for 8th place, the best among Korean players at the Chevron Championship. She said, "There are no big trees on the golf course, so the wind will have a big impact," and added, "Winning at a sponsor’s tournament will be an unforgettable memory." Rookie Choi Hye-jin (23, Lotte) and An Na-rin (26, Mediheal) are also participating.

This is Lydia Ko’s title defense. She has maintained a steady pace, including her first win of the season at the Gainbridge LPGA in January. Brooke Henderson (Canada) is a strong favorite to win. She is the player who achieved back-to-back victories at this tournament in 2018 and 2019. Joining this year’s champion lineup are Chevron Championship winner Jennifer Kupcho, Danielle Kang (both USA), Leona Maguire (Ireland), and Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand).