KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: First Win in 3 Years 8 Months with 4th Career Victory and 1.7 Billion KRW Jackpot; Choi Hye-jin, Kim Se-young, and Kim Hyo-joo Tied for 5th Place
Jeon In-ji is cheering while holding the trophy right after winning her third major of the season, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Bethesda (USA) = Getty Images / Multibits
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Flying Dumbo’ Jeon In-ji (28) has ascended to the title of ‘Major Queen.’
On the 27th (Korean time), at the Blue Course (par 72, 6,894 yards) of Congressional Golf Club in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, Jeon In-ji finished the final day of the third major of this LPGA Tour season, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (total prize money $9 million), with a 3-over-par round but secured a one-stroke victory (5-under-par 283). This marks her fourth career win, coming 3 years and 8 months after her victory at the KEB Hana Bank Championship held in Korea in October 2018. The winner’s prize money was $1.35 million (1.7 billion KRW).
Jeon In-ji, who was a non-member at the time, swept three major wins including the 2015 US Women’s Open in July, the 2016 Evian Championship in September, and this tournament. The streak of Korean players without a major win, which had continued since Kim A-rim (27) at the 2020 US Women’s Open, ended after seven tournaments. Korea collectively won four titles in 16 tournaments this year. Ko Jin-young (27, HSBC Women’s), Kim Hyo-joo (27, Lotte Championship), and Ji Eun-hee (36, Bank of Hope Match Play) also joined the champions’ ranks.
Jeon In-ji surged with an 8-under-par in the first round to take a 5-stroke lead, then posted 3-under-par in the second round to extend her lead to 6 strokes. Although she struggled with a 3-over-par in the third round, allowing a 3-stroke chase from the tied second-place group, she maintained her focus until the end and achieved a wire-to-wire victory. On the final day, Jeon recorded 2 birdies and 5 bogeys. Her iron shots and putting faltered, resulting in bogeys on holes 2, 4, 6, and 9.
Her first birdie on the 11th hole (par 5) was offset by a bogey on the 12th hole (par 4), and she struggled with 4-over-par over 15 holes, falling 2 strokes behind Lexi Thompson (USA) in second place. However, she birdied the 16th hole (par 4) to return to a tie for the lead, and Thompson collapsed with consecutive bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes, allowing Jeon to reclaim the top spot on the leaderboard. Jeon finished the 17th and 18th holes with pars, creating a dramatic victory and shedding tears of joy.
Jeon In-ji has won majors on three different occasions and will challenge the ‘Career Grand Slam’ at the upcoming AIG Women’s Open in August. She is the second Korean player to achieve this feat, following ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bi (34). Jeon said, “This win is very meaningful because I hadn’t won in three and a half years,” with tears in her eyes. She added, “I want to express my gratitude to the fans who have believed in and supported me all this time,” and cheered, “I will repay you with even better play.”
Jeon In-ji (left) is hugging Lexi Thompson after securing the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship victory. Bethesda, USA = Getty Images / Multibits
Thompson, shaken repeatedly at critical moments, settled for runner-up (4-under-par 284). ‘US Women’s Open Champion’ Minjee Lee (Australia) reduced two strokes to tie for second place. ‘Rookie No. 1’ Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) performed well, finishing fourth (3-under-par 285). Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo (27), Kim Se-young (29), and Choi Hye-jin (23) tied for fifth place (1-under-par 287). Park In-bi finished tied for 25th (3-over-par 291). ‘No. 1’ Ko Jin-young (27) and defending champion Nelly Korda (USA) tied for 30th place (4-over-par 292).
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