Sung Yu-jin Challenges Title Defense at Lotte Open
‘Overseas Players’ Kim Hyo-joo and Choi Hye-jin Compete for Victory
Lee Da-yeon, Lee Ye-won, Lim Jin-hee, Lee Jung-min Participate
‘Match Queen’ Sung Yu-jin is aiming for her second consecutive victory.
Sung Yu-jin will compete in the KLPGA Tour Lotte Open (total prize money 800 million KRW, winner's prize 144 million KRW), which kicks off on June 1 at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon (par 72, 6,725 yards). The winner will earn a spot in next year’s LPGA Tour Lotte Championship in the United States. Rising star Bang Shin-sil secured entry to all events by winning last week’s E1 Charity Open but cannot participate in this tournament as the player list is already finalized. Park Ji-young, Park Hyun-kyung, and Park Min-ji will be resting.
Sung Yu-jin made her name known by winning her first career title at this tournament last year. She fired 15-under par over four days to complete a wire-to-wire victory. As the defending champion of the Lotte Open, Sung Yu-jin competed in the Lotte Championship last April and finished as runner-up. Two weeks ago, she claimed her first win of the season with an impressive seven-match winning streak at the Doosan Match Play Championship. Since returning from the Lotte Championship, she has shown a steep upward trend with three top-10 finishes, including one victory, in four tournaments.
Sung Yu-jin skipped the E1 Charity Open to conserve energy for her first title defense and second win of the season. She said, "I am cautious because of a finger injury, but my shots and putting feel really good. I will do my best to defend the title by playing well without pain." She added, "Bears Best Cheongna has long roughs, so keeping the ball on the fairway is key. If I can attack with accurate tee shots, I believe I can achieve good results."
‘Overseas player’ Kim Hyo-joo, competing in a sponsor’s tournament, is a strong favorite to win. She is aiming for the top spot at this event for the first time in three years since 2020. Ranked 10th in the world, Kim Hyo-joo has consistently shown excellent performance, always in contention for the title whenever she plays in domestic tournaments. She has won 13 times on the KLPGA Tour. Kim said, "I am happy and excited to meet fans again in the KLPGA Tour after a long time. My condition and shots are good. I will play aiming for a top-10 finish and seize the opportunity if a chance to win arises."
‘LPGA member’ Choi Hye-jin will appear in a domestic tournament for two consecutive weeks following the E1 Charity Open. She finished tied for 7th last week. Choi said, "I have not yet won a sponsor tournament, so I am eager. I expect good results if I can reduce mistakes."
‘Major queen’ Lee Da-yeon, along with Lee Ye-won, Lee Jung-min, Lim Jin-hee, Choi Eun-woo, and Park Bo-gum, are all eyeing their second win of the season. Lee Da-yeon is particularly strong on difficult and challenging courses, having won the 2019 Korean Women’s Open held at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club. Dark horses include Hong Jeong-min, Lee So-young, and Kim Su-ji, who have yet to win but consistently place in the top ranks at every tournament. The ‘super rookie’ showdown between rookie No. 1 Kim Min-byeol and No. 2 Hwang Yu-min is also a highlight to watch.
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