HiteJinro's Loyalty to Yoonina: Three Years of Sponsorship Commitment Fulfilled

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HiteJinro Hosts Longest Single Sponsor Tournament and Discovers Promising Talents

HiteJinro has promised to continue supporting Yoon Ina, who is facing difficulties due to the 'Ogu controversy' disciplinary action.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Wooe] A refreshing move by HiteJinro.

They have decided to keep their sponsorship promise to Yoon Ina (photo), who caused the ‘Ogu controversy.’ A HiteJinro official said on the 5th, "Although Yoon Ina received a suspension penalty, we have decided to fulfill the contract period until the end." In the golf industry, there were opinions that ‘HiteJinro might stop sponsorship of Yoon Ina and even claim damages,’ but HiteJinro made a bold decision to continue the sponsorship.

HiteJinro discovered Yoon Ina in 2021 and signed a three-year contract. Since May last year, Yoon Ina has participated in tournaments wearing a hat with the HiteJinro logo. HiteJinro focused on her long drives of up to 300 yards, coming from her tall height of 170cm. After dominating the amateur stage, Yoon Ina played in the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Jump (3rd tier) Tour and Dream (2nd tier) Tour last year. Even though she joined the Dream Tour late in July, she entered the ‘Top 10’ eight times including two wins, securing the top prize money and earning a regular tour card.

Yoon Ina entered the KLPGA Tour this year and performed brilliantly. She participated in 15 tournaments and finished in the ‘Top 10’ five times. Especially at the Ever Collagen Queens Crown in July, she maintained the lead for four days and achieved a ‘wire-to-wire’ victory, drawing a spotlight. She established herself as the next-generation star leading Korean women’s golf. Her bold play attracted large galleries.

However, Yoon Ina was caught up in the Ogu play controversy. In the first round of the DB Group Korea Women’s Open in June, she violated a rule at the 15th hole. Knowing that the ball in the rough was not hers, she continued playing. About a month after the rule violation, in July, she voluntarily reported the Ogu play to the Korea Golf Association and stopped participating in tournaments. Yoon Ina received a severe penalty of a three-year suspension from all tournaments from both the Korea Golf Association and KLPGA.

Yoon Ina is currently reflecting without filing an appeal against the suspension. Last month, she posted on her social media, "I am sorry for disappointing many who cared for and supported me. I sincerely apologize to KLPGA and fellow players. I will do my best to come back as a better player," bowing her head once again.

HiteJinro is demonstrating exceptional love for golf by hosting the longest single-sponsor tournament in the KLPGA Tour history and supporting promising young players.

HiteJinro, which promised to continue sponsoring Yoon Ina, is a company with a special love for golf. Since 2000, it has sponsored the KLPGA Tour HiteJinro Championship. It was elevated to a major tournament in 2009 and set a milestone as the longest single-sponsor event in KLPGA Tour history. Past champions include Kang Soo-yeon, Park Hee-young, Lee Sun-hwa, Shin Ji-ae, Seo Hee-kyung, Kim Ha-neul, Jang Ha-na, Kim Hyo-joo, Jeon In-ji, Ko Jin-young, Bae Seon-woo, and Park Min-ji.

Based on the domestic market, HiteJinro is also actively sponsoring promising golf players. Seo Hee-kyung, Kim Ha-neul, Jeon In-ji, and Ko Jin-young are all global star players who succeeded with HiteJinro’s support. In June, HiteJinro signed a sponsorship contract until 2024 with golf national team prospect Kim Min-byeol. Kim Min-byeol, who was selected as a junior national team reserve when she was in the 6th grade of elementary school, has won 20 amateur tournaments.

A HiteJinro official said, "Rather than sponsoring players who have already become star players, we are discovering rookie players with growth potential based on the long-standing know-how of our prestigious golf team," adding, "We will continue to provide generous support so that players who will lead Korean women’s golf can focus solely on golf."