‘LPGA Top Passer’ Yoo Hae-ran Returns Home in Glory: "I Will Challenge Rookie of the Year in the US as Well"

Yoo Hae-ran is expressing her thoughts on achieving the top pass in the LPGA Q-Series at Incheon International Airport. Photo by Semasports Marketing

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Yu Hae-ran, who topped the LPGA qualifying, has returned home triumphantly.

Yu Hae-ran returned to Korea on the 13th through Incheon International Airport immediately after finishing first in the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series held in Dothan, Alabama, USA. Yu said, "I went with a relaxed mindset just to finish within the top 20, so I am happy to have passed as the top qualifier," adding, "At the time, I didn't really feel like I had taken first place, but after coming to Korea and receiving congratulations from many people, it feels more real," smiling brightly.

The LPGA Q Series is a tournament where 100 players compete over 8 rounds for the right to participate in the 2023 LPGA Tour. Yu Hae-ran secured first place among Korean players for the second consecutive year following Anna Lin last year, and will be active on the American stage next year.

Yu Hae-ran, the 2020 Rookie of the Year on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, explained, "Being able to execute precise shots on domestic courses helped me," and added, "My iron shots were good during this Q Series as well, which created many birdie opportunities." Regarding her determination ahead of her LPGA Tour debut, she said, "I heard that the course conditions, greens, and weather change at every tournament in the U.S.," and continued, "I think I will need to focus more on adapting rather than results during my first year while learning about these aspects."

Regarding being already mentioned as a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year, Yu said, "Since I was Rookie of the Year in Korea, the pressure is not that big," but also vowed, "Still, since the rookie season only lasts one year, I will do my best to win the Rookie of the Year award." She added, "My short game, such as putting around the green, is always lacking," and expressed her determination, "I will improve my saving ability during winter training and continue to learn a lot while playing on the tour next year to become a growing player."