Kim Minju, Strong in the Wind... In Contention for Another Victory

6 Under Par in Nexen Saintnine Masters 1st Round
Riding the Momentum from Last Week's Come-From-Behind Win at iM Finance Open
"I'm Confident Playing in Windy Conditions"

'94 Attempts, 95th Success'?Kim Minju excels in the wind.

Kim Minju is making an iron shot on the 12th hole of the first round at the Nexen Saintnine Masters. KLPGA

Last week, Kim Minju claimed her first-ever victory on the KLPGA Tour at the iM Finance Open. She was in fifth place, two strokes behind the leader after three rounds, but overcame strong winds exceeding 9 meters per second in the final round to clinch a come-from-behind win. In a post-victory interview, she said, "I don't try to fight the wind; I think of sending the ball riding on the wind," and added, "I'm confident playing in windy conditions."

Once again, Kim Minju rode the wind to success. On April 18, at the first round of the Nexen Saintnine Masters (total prize money: 900 million won) held at Kaya Country Club (par 72, 6,836 yards) in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, she shot a 6-under-par 66 to join the race for the title. Her round included one eagle, five birdies, and one bogey. Notably, she made a spectacular eagle on the par-4 4th hole. Her powerful second shot, driven through the strong wind, went straight into the hole.

Kim Minju said, "The headwind was strong, so I was going to use a 7-iron, but I thought it would be difficult if I went past the pin. The moment I hit with a 6-iron, I felt it was a great shot, and when I heard the gallery cheering, I realized it was an eagle." She added, "It looks like it will be windy for the remaining two days as well, so I'll make sure to calculate the wind carefully."