Kim Ji-hyun 'Top Pass'... "I even thought about quitting golf"

Ranked 1st in KLPGA Tour Seed Ranking Match
Lee Jihyun7 2nd, Shin Dain 3rd, Jung Jimin2 4th
Yoo Hyunjo 5th, Hwang Yena 8th, Lim Jiyu 10th

Kim Ji-hyun passed the 'Hell's Qualifying Tournament' as the top scorer.

On the 17th, at the Jeonnam Muan Country Club (Par 72, 6,335 yards), Kim shot a 3-under-par 69 in the final 4th round of the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour Qualifying Tournament, finishing first with a total score of 16-under-par 272. Kim Ji-hyun is a veteran who has won five times, including the 2017 major tournament, the Korean Women's Open. She ranked 64th in this year's prize money ranking (145.4 million KRW), which required her to compete in the qualifying tournament again. After leading the pack throughout the four days, she enjoyed the joy of passing as the top qualifier.

Kim Ji-hyun is smiling while holding her scorecard after passing the KLPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament final as the top qualifier.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Kim Ji-hyun said, "Because I have a lot of tour experience, I wasn't nervous before the game," adding, "My shots, which I usually consider my strength, went well. I prefer playing in windy weather, so I was able to play comfortably." She continued, "Before entering the qualifying tournament, I even thought about quitting golf, but I wanted to win once more next year before retiring," and vowed, "I will renew my determination and try to lift the winner's cup once again."

Lee Ji-hyun7, who ranked 93rd in this year's prize money ranking, regained her tour card by finishing second. Shin Da-in placed third, and Jung Ji-min2 came in fourth (both with 14-under-par 274), showing strong performances. Asian Games Hangzhou team silver medalist Yoo Hyun-jo finished fifth (13-under-par 275), Hwang Ye-na eighth (12-under-par 276), and Lim Ji-yoo tenth (10-under-par 278), all securing full tour cards. The top 16 players in the qualifying tournament will be able to participate in most KLPGA Tour events next year.