Kim Suji and Seo Yeonjeong, Joint Leaders After Round 2 at High1 Resort

The day before, leader Lee Gippeum lost one stroke, tied for 3rd place

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Kim Su-ji (26), who appeared like a comet in the second half of last year’s Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, has seized her first win opportunity of the season. On the 19th, Kim Su-ji recorded a 4-under-par 68 in the second round of the KLPGA Tour High1 Resort Ladies Open (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at High1 Resort Country Club (par 72) in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. Tee-off in the afternoon, Kim Su-ji braved harsh weather conditions including strong winds, rain, and a sudden drop in temperature, securing 5 birdies and 1 bogey to share the lead at 6-under-par with Seo Yeon-jeong (27). Seo Yeon-jeong, who reduced her score by 4 strokes in the first round, recorded a 2-under-par 70 with 4 birdies and 2 bogeys.

Kim Su-ji said, “I was very worried because the weather was so bad,” adding, “I’m relieved to finish with a good result.” She continued, “I rested last week, so there are no physical problems,” and added, “Of course, I want to achieve the desired result, which is first place.”

Seo Yeon-jeong said, “I was very worried because the wind was strong from the start,” but added, “Still, my putting was good, so I was able to finish with a good result.” She also said, “There are still two days left, so rather than thinking about winning, I plan to enjoy playing with my caddie,” and added, “I believe that if I play with a joyful heart, the results will follow.”

Kim Su-ji, who won her first career victory at the KG·Edaily Ladies Open in September last year and then captured the major Hite Jinro Championship just a month later, is aiming for her third KLPGA Tour win. Seo Yeon-jeong, who debuted in 2014 and has played 228 tournaments but only has four runner-up finishes on the regular tour, is challenging for her first career victory.

Lee Ki-ppeum (28), who led the tournament on the first day, faltered by losing one stroke with 1 birdie and 2 bogeys. She is tied for 3rd place (5-under-par 139) with Choi Min-kyung (29) and Heo Da-bin (24). Oh Ji-hyun (26) and Choi Hye-yong (32) are tied for 7th place at 4-under-par 140. Park Min-ji (24), aiming for her fourth win of the season, struggled to make the cut with a total score of 2-over-par 146 after 2 birdies and 6 bogeys, losing 4 strokes. Lim Hee-jeong (22), who was attempting to win the tournament for the third consecutive time, shot 1-over-par 73, making it difficult to pass the preliminary round with a total of 3-over-par 147.