Hong Jungmin Wins by One Stroke... "I Am Also a Major Queen"

Struggles with 4-Over Par in Final Round of KLPGA Championship
Holds Off Rivals' Chase to Claim Second Career Victory
First Major Title and Winner's Prize of 234 Million Won

Hong Jungmin has claimed her first major championship title.

On May 4, at Lakewood Country Club (par 72, 6,605 yards) in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, the final round of the 47th Chris F&C KLPGA Championship, the first major tournament of the KLPGA Tour season, concluded. Despite a disappointing 4-over-par 76 in the final round, she secured a one-stroke victory with a total score of 10-under-par 278. This marks her second career win, coming 2 years and 11 months after her previous victory at the 2022 Doosan Match Play Championship. The winner’s prize is 234 million won.

Hong Jungmin shows a relieved expression after securing victory on the 18th hole of the final day at the KLPGA Championship. KLPGA

Hong Jungmin started the day with a five-shot lead and recorded four birdies, six bogeys, and one double bogey. She struggled somewhat under the strong winds that day. By the 15th hole, Park Jiyeong and Ji Hansol had closed the gap to just one stroke. Although she allowed them to get within striking distance, she never relinquished the lead and secured a decisive birdie putt on the 16th hole (par 4) to clinch the victory.

Park Jiyeong and Ji Hansol finished tied for second place at 9-under-par 279. Lee Yewon and Ma Dasom shared fourth place at 8-under-par 280. Bang Shinsil finished sixth at 7-under-par 281, extending her streak of top-10 finishes to five consecutive tournaments. Park Hyunkyung, who was aiming for her third victory at this event, settled for a tie for seventh at 6-under-par 282.