Hong Jung-min Leads After First Day of Hana Financial Group Championship

7 Birdies, 1 Bogey for a 6-Under 66 Score

[Asia Economy Reporter Seonjin Byun] Hong Jeong-min (20) took the solo lead on the first day of the Hana Financial Group Championship (total prize money 1.5 billion KRW).

Hong Jeong-min [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 29th, Hong Jeong-min shot a 6-under-par 66 with 7 birdies and 1 bogey in the first round of the KLPGA Tour Hana Financial Group Championship held at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon (par 72), taking the lead. She is one stroke ahead of co-second place players Yoo Hae-ran (21) and Bae Su-yeon (21).

Hong Jeong-min started off well by making a birdie on the 1st hole (par 3). She then made birdies on the 4th hole (par 5) and the 7th hole (par 4). Although she made a bogey on the 8th hole (par 4), she immediately recovered with a birdie on the 9th hole (par 5). In the back nine, Hong Jeong-min succeeded in making three birdies on the 12th hole (par 4), 15th hole (par 5), and 17th hole (par 5) without any bogeys.

Hong Jeong-min said, "It was a bit windy, so it was difficult, but I finished well. The wind blew in the opposite direction compared to the official practice day, and there were some holes that became easier than I thought. Overall, I had a satisfying day,” she shared her thoughts.

Hong Jeong-min won her first victory just one year after her debut at the Doosan Match Play Championship in May. She is now challenging for her second win in four months.

Yoo Ji-na (20), Han Jin-seon (25), and Lim Hee-jeong (22) tied for 4th place with 4-under-par 68. Ahn Sun-joo (35) and Hwang Jeong-mi (23) are tied for 10th place at 5-under-par 67, just one stroke behind. Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand), who was last year’s LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year, is tied for 17th place with 1-under-par 71.

World No. 4 in women’s golf, Minjee Lee (Australia), and No. 9 Kim Hyo-joo (27) struggled with 3-over-par on the first day, remaining tied for 79th place.