2022 KLPGA Awards Ceremony... Gathering Together to Wrap Up the Season
Winners Park Minji, Yoo Hae-ran, Kim Suji, Lee Yewon, and Others Share Their Determination for the New Season
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seohee] On the 21st, the 2022 KLPGA Grand Awards Ceremony held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, was bustling with players bidding farewell to the season with some regrets and their families gathered to celebrate them.
From players who had their best year to those who went through slumps, the season results varied for each, but all the players' expressions were filled more with relief than regret. They fully enjoyed the awards ceremony while encouraging each other, having engaged in friendly competition throughout the year.
Dress Looks Instead of Sportswear: 'Various Charms'
The highlight of the ceremony was the players' diverse dress looks. Instead of their usual sportswear, each player dressed up in glamorous dresses, and every time they stood at the photo wall, the crowd gathered at the entrance of the ceremony hall burst into cheers of "I can't recognize you!"
'Desert Fox' Lim Heejeong (22), who had always tied her hair up on the field, attracted attention by appearing with a neat bob haircut that day. She carried a white mini bag with a green dress, enhancing her cute image.
Seong Yujin (22) caught the eye by choosing a white dress that maximized her feminine charm. The dress featured voluminous puff sleeves and shoulders, and a silk fabric that emphasized the waistline. Han Jinseon (25) drew attention by wearing a green dress known as the 'IU dress.'
Yu Hae-ran, Challenging the LPGA: "It's Good to Have Room to Climb"
Yu Hae-ran (21), who competed with Kim Su-ji (26) for the Grand Award points and lowest average score until the end of the season, appeared spirited that day as well.
The winners of the Grand Award points and lowest average score categories were decided only at the final event this season. Yu Hae-ran, who competed fiercely with Kim Su-ji, finished second in the Grand Award points with 712 points, 68 points behind Kim Su-ji (780 points), and also placed second in the average score category, with 70.5714 strokes, 0.1001 strokes more than Kim Su-ji's 70.4713.
Nevertheless, Yu Hae-ran expressed, "I am quite satisfied just to have ranked second in the Grand Award points at such a young age," adding, "Through this season, I realized there is still room to improve, and my goal is to address that and achieve better results next year."
Yu Hae-ran will depart tomorrow to participate in the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series held in Alabama, USA, starting on the 28th.
When asked about her thoughts on challenging the LPGA, Yu Hae-ran said, "Since my entry is not yet confirmed, there have been many articles here and there, so honestly, it feels a bit burdensome," adding, "My first goal is to adapt to the local environment, and ultimately, I want to make it into the top 10."
‘Most Wins & Money Leader’ Park Minji: “I Want to Be Someone Who Stands by Others”
Park Minji, who had the best year by winning the most tournaments and leading in prize money for two consecutive years, also drew attention with her acceptance speech.
Park Minji achieved a cumulative season prize money of 1,477,921,143 KRW, securing the money leader title for the second consecutive year following last year. She also clinched a dramatic victory at the season final tournament, bringing her total to six wins for the season and earning her the most wins title for two consecutive years.
On stage, Park Minji said, "I feel very fortunate because I realize there are many good people around me," adding, "Watching them, I learned that life is not lived alone but together. I want to be someone who helps others by their side."
Kim Su-ji, who ranked first in both the Grand Award points and average score categories, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am thankful. I will work hard to receive this award again next year."
Additionally, Lim Heejeong (22) received the popularity award for the second consecutive year, and Hong Jeongmin (20), Jeong Yoonji (22), Seong Yujin (22), Han Jinseon (25), Hong Jiwon (22), Hwang Jeongmi (23), Lee Gayoung (23), and Yoo Hyoju (25) joined the 'Winners Club' with their first career wins this season.
‘Fearsome’ Rookie Lee Yewon Surpassing Older Players: 'Forecasting a Storm Next Year'
Lee Yewon (19) comfortably became the rookie award winner by surpassing 3,000 rookie points for the first time in KLPGA Tour history.
Lee Yewon ranked first in rookie points this season and also placed third overall in prize money, following Park Minji and Kim Su-ji. She ranked fourth in the Grand Award points category.
Lee Yewon said, "I think of my family the most," adding, "There is still a long way to go. I will not be complacent with this position and will strive to be a player who keeps improving," raising expectations for the next season.
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