KLPGA Tour Faces a Battle Against the Heat This Time

Blue Canyon Ladies Championship in Phuket, Thailand
After Singapore's Bad Weather, Thailand's Heat Becomes a Factor
Kim Jaehee Aims for 2nd Consecutive Win, Bang Sinshil and Park Hyunkyung Among Favorites

After the bad weather, now comes the heat.

The Blue Canyon Ladies Championship held at Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand is expected to be a battle against the heat.
[Photo by Blue Canyon Country Club]

The Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, which started its 2024 season in Singapore, continues its schedule in Southeast Asia. The second tournament of the season, the Blue Canyon Ladies Championship (total prize money $650,000), will be held for three days from the 15th at the Blue Canyon Country Club (par 72, 6,511 yards) in Phuket, Thailand. A total of 72 players will participate, including 60 qualified KLPGA Tour players and 12 recommended players.

The Hana Financial Group Singapore Ladies Open, which ended on the 10th in Singapore, faced weather-related challenges. The tournament was delayed by 2 hours and 30 minutes on the first day due to severe weather, causing disruptions in the schedule. On the second day, play was suspended for more than 2 hours due to heavy rain. Despite the difficult conditions, Kim Jae-hee maintained focus through the final 4 rounds and secured her first career victory.

The Blue Canyon Ladies Championship is a battle against the heat. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a popular resort destination visited by many people worldwide. It has a tropical climate with no distinct seasons, and March falls within the dry season. The average annual temperature is 28 degrees Celsius. Currently, temperatures are exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Bang Shin-sil, who finished as runner-up last week, said, "I am somewhat weak against the heat, so it’s a bit tough, but my shot feeling is good, so I will play hard."

The Blue Canyon Country Club is a prestigious golf course in Thailand. It has two courses: the Canyon Course, opened in 1991, and the Lake Course, opened in 1999, totaling 36 holes. It was selected as a tournament venue for the European Tour’s Johnnie Walker Classic three times?in 1994, 1998, and 2007. It was also named Thailand’s Best Golf Course at the 2018 Asian Golf Awards and the 2022 World Golf Awards.

Kim Jae-hee will also participate in this tournament, aiming for her second consecutive win. She stated, "My goal is to finish in the top 10 first, and if the opportunity arises, I will try to win two weeks in a row." Other top contenders include Park Hyun-kyung, Park Min-ji, and Hwang Yu-min, who all performed well last week. Strong tour players such as Park Ji-young, Kim Su-ji, and Kim Min-byeol are also looking for their first win of the season. Veteran local player Phon-anong Petram (Thailand) is a dark horse in the competition.