Short Track Skating Career Until 6th Grade, 171cm Tall with Strong Lower Body Strength
Average 257.15 Yards, 2nd Longest Drive This Season on KLPGA After Yoon Ina
Marked Presence at Daeyu Winia·MBN Women's Open with Max 287 Yards, Tied 6th
Chosen as Clothing Model for Flashy Outfits... "Goal is First Win in Second Half"
Power hitter Moon Jeong-min is seen teeing off on the 14th hole during the second round of the Daewoo Winia·MBN Women's Open.
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] A new long hitter has emerged in the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour to make fans forget the 'Yoo Nina gap.'
It is Moon Jeong-min (20), who joined the KLPGA stage this year along with Yoo Nina. Moon Jeong-min's average drive distance this season is 257.15 yards, comparable to Yoo Nina's 263.71 yards, who recently suspended participation in the remaining tournaments this year due to a delayed report controversy over a 'mis-hit (誤球) play.'
Moon Jeong-min joined the regular tour last year by ranking 19th (36.89 million KRW) in the prize money standings of the KLPGA 2nd-tier Dream Tour. She recorded her first victory in July last year at the Muan CC·All For You Dream Tour Round 8.
Moon Jeong-min made a definite impression at the KLPGA Tour Daeyu Winia·MBN Women's Open held on the 14th at Daeyu Montvert Country Club in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. She finished 6th, marking her first 'Top 10' since her debut on the regular tour. Among the rookies participating in this tournament, she ranked highest along with Ko Ji-woo (20) and Lim Jin-young (19).
In this tournament, she especially showcased her prowess as a 'long hitter.' With an aggressive play style boasting a maximum distance of 283.7 yards, she collected 1 eagle and 12 birdies. Moon Jeong-min's secret to long drives lies in her tall height of 171 cm and solid lower body strength. Notably, her experience as a short track speed skater until the 6th grade of elementary school laid the foundation for her strong lower body strength.
Regarding the secret to ranking among the top in driving distance, Moon Jeong-min said, "My short track experience when I was young helps me utilize ground reaction force through my lower body," adding, "I usually focus on upper body twist and rhythm when swinging."
With her high placement in this tournament, Moon Jeong-min also shook off her slump of missing the cut in six consecutive tournaments since finishing 14th at the Celltrion Queens Masters in June. Although she started late compared to other rookies and remains 12th in rookie points (598 points), she has seized an opportunity for a comeback. She said with a bright smile, "I was anxious and struggled due to results below expectations, but I am proud to have achieved good results after a long time. I think this process is also a path to growth, and my efforts brought about this good outcome."
In the golf world, Moon Jeong-min is evaluated to have sufficient marketability beyond her performance. In fact, besides her powerful drives, she attracts attention every game with her flashy outfits. With excellent fashion sense, she has also worked as a Titleist Apparel model.
Moon Jeong-min stated, "My goal is to win my first tournament first," and added, "Having gained confidence from this tournament, I will calmly focus on what I have to do going forward."
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