Yoo Yina and Park Hyunkyung Pride Clash... 'Rising Momentum vs Home Course'

Dongbu Construction and Hanguk Toji Shintak Face Off at Championship
Eagle 5 Points, Birdie 2 Points in Modified Stableford Format
Yoon Ina Leads in Prize Money and Average Score with High Spirits
Park Hyun-kyung Confident on Hometown Course as Top Candidate Points Holder

Long hitter Yoonina and 'Cutieful' Park Hyunkyung engage in a battle of pride.

Yoo Yina

The Dongbu Construction·Korea Land Trust Championship (total prize money 1 billion KRW), part of the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, will be held for four days starting from the 10th at Iksan Country Club (Par 72) in Iksan, Jeonbuk. It is a fierce battleground. This is the only tournament on the KLPGA Tour that uses a modified Stableford scoring system. Rankings are determined by points rather than strokes. Albatrosses earn 8 points, eagles 5 points, birdies 2 points, bogeys -1 point, and double bogeys or worse -3 points. Players who make many birdies have an advantage. Aggressive play is expected.

The 'Birdie Queen' Yoonina is a strong favorite to win. She currently averages 4.138 birdies per round. Her birdie rate is also first at 22.99%. She ranks second in eagles with 3, following Yoo Hyunjo (4). Her only win came at the Samdasoo Masters in August. However, she leads the prize money ranking (1.1361 billion KRW) and average score (70.05 strokes), and is second in the points race for the Player of the Year (485 points) thanks to twelve top-10 finishes. Her world ranking is the best among KLPGA players at 32nd.

Yoonina dominates the tour with the third-best average driving distance (253.42 yards) and second-best greens in regulation rate (78.46%). Her form is strong, having tied for third place at last week's major, the Hite Jinro Championship. If she wins this tournament, multiple titles are expected.

Park Hyun-kyung

Park Hyunkyung is a formidable player with three wins this year. She leads the Player of the Year points race (487 points). She ranks second in prize money (1.07669 billion KRW) and third in average score (70.27 strokes). Most notably, she averages 3.945 birdies per round (second place). Her hometown is Iksan. She knows Iksan Country Club like the back of her hand. Park's caddie is her father, Park Sesoo, who served as the head pro at Iksan Country Club for many years. Moreover, Korea Land Trust, the tournament organizer, is Park Hyunkyung's main sponsor. Park aims to secure her fourth win of the season and solidify her lead in the Player of the Year points.

Park Hyunkyung expressed, "This tournament is always special. Iksan Country Club feels like home, so I have a strong desire to perform better than anyone else." She added, "Since the greens are small, accurate iron shots and putting are important. It is necessary to make many birdies. I plan to read the greens well and play boldly."