'KLPGA Top Passer' Kim Minbyeol "I Want to Be Like McIlroy"

‘Super Rookie’ Kim Minbyeol Undergoes 8-Week Training Camp in Thailand to Improve Short Game
Average Drive Shot Distance 250 Yards, Confident Weapon is ‘Iron’
Former Canoe National Team Father, Coach Han Yeonhee, and Caddie Seo Jeongwoo as 'Helpers'
Favorite Player McIlroy... "Consistent Performance, Rookie of the Year Goal"

'Seed round top player' Kim Min-byeol is determined to "become a cool player like world No. 1 Rory McIlroy."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The bigger the dream, the better.

This is said about Kim Min-byeol, the top qualifier of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) qualifying tournament. On the 23rd, a day before departing for training in Thailand, Kim Min-byeol said in an interview with Asia Economy, "I still can't believe I finished first in the qualifying tournament. I didn't expect it," adding, "I'm already looking forward to next season." She continued, "I like Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) the most. He's cool and has a perfect swing," emphasizing, "He also has great style. He's a player I want to emulate."

Kim Min-byeol started playing golf in the first grade at Seongwon Elementary School in Chuncheon. "I naturally picked up a golf club after going to the practice range following my older sister, who was a golf player," she said, adding, "My sister only played until high school." Kim Min-byeol was selected for the junior national team in the sixth grade of elementary school and won 20 amateur titles, including the 2016 Park Seri Cup National Elementary School Golf Tournament and back-to-back wins in the 2018 and 2019 KLPGA-Samchully Together Dream Tree Golf Tournament.

Last year, Kim Min-byeol ranked first with overwhelming skill in the national team selection. She also passed the Hangzhou Asian Games selection in second place, scheduled for September this year, but gave up the opportunity to participate due to the one-year postponement caused by COVID-19. "It's disappointing that the Asian Games were postponed," she said. Kim Min-byeol turned professional in October, passed the full membership selection, and proudly took first place in the qualifying tournament. She showed consistency by scoring in the 60s over four days. Kim Min-byeol said, "I still feel dazed," adding, "It was hectic for two months after turning pro."

Kim Min-byeol receives exceptional support from her rookie season. Her father, Kim Pan-hyung, the first national canoe representative in Korea, is a strong supporter. Mr. Kim helped Kim Min-byeol’s growth while running a golf practice range. She also receives coaching from former national team coach Han Yeon-hee, who has nurtured top golfers such as Kim Hyo-joo, Ji Eun-hee, Kim Kyung-tae, Park Sang-hyun, and Lee So-mi. "I have been with Coach Han for about three years," Kim Min-byeol said, adding, "He also helps with the winter training in Thailand. I will train for about eight weeks and plan to return on February 22." Kim Min-byeol also secured the best caddie. Seo Jung-woo, who has collaborated on numerous wins with Kim Hyo-joo and Oh Ji-hyun, carries her bag. Kim Min-byeol welcomed him, saying, "He has a lot of experience, so I think I can get a lot of help."

Kim Min-byeol competed in professional tournaments even during her amateur days. She was among the leaders on the first day of the 2019 KLPGA Tour ADT Caps Championship and won amateur awards at the Hyosung Championship and Celltrion Queens Masters. She attracted great attention by competing for wins with professional seniors. On the 18th, Kim Min-byeol finished tied for 30th at the PLK Pacific Links Korea Championship in Vietnam, earning 5.95 million won in prize money. She smiled, saying, "The money hasn't been deposited into my account yet," and "When I receive it, I want to give gifts to my family."

Kim Min-byeol viewed quick adaptation to the greens on the KLPGA Tour as the key to success.

Kim Min-byeol is known for her aggressive play style, relying on her unique competitiveness and boldness. Her drive shot distance is up to 260 yards, with an average of 250 yards. Her favorite club is the iron. Kim Min-byeol said, "I am confident with irons," adding, "I can create birdie chances." Her short game is a weakness. "My approach shots are still lacking," she said, adding, "I'm also dissatisfied with my putting," explaining, "Since the first division tour uses fast greens, I need to correct the slow green habits ingrained from my amateur days."

Kim Min-byeol’s main sponsor is HiteJinro. "When I signed a two-year contract with HiteJinro, I really felt that I had become a pro," she said, expressing gratitude, "I think I can do well as a player because a big company supports me." Kim Min-byeol is focusing on adapting to the professional stage next year. "Since it’s my rookie season, I will play with the mindset of experiencing the regular tour. I won’t take overly cautious shots. I want to make it a season without regrets. My goals are to win and to be Rookie of the Year."

"In the past, I wanted to be a famous and skilled player, but now my mindset has changed," Kim Min-byeol said, adding, "I want to appear bright and enjoy playing," and asked for lots of support. Kim Min-byeol will make her KLPGA Tour domestic debut at the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open, which opens on April 7 next year at Jeju Lotte Skyhill Golf Club.