Highlights from the 11th Asia Economy Honam Junior Golf Championship

Players are gathered and having a meal at the exclusive restaurant of Hwasun CC in Jeonnam. Photo by Shim Jinseok

◇ Even Mount Geumgang Is Best Enjoyed After a Meal

On June 12, players participating in the 11th Asia Economy Honam Junior Golf Championship gathered at dawn, braving the morning dew, at the restaurant of Hwasun CC in Jeonnam (formerly Club 900) for breakfast. Although they don't often see each other, friends, juniors, and fellow players reunited after a long time, sitting together at tables, sharing light conversations, and easing their nerves. Despite being at a golf course, the hot and refreshing seaweed soup and dried pollack hangover soup, rivaling those of any famous Jeolla Province restaurant, captivated the players' palates.

Players are practicing at the putting range starting from 5 a.m., before their first tee-off time. Photo by Jinseok Shim

◇ Players Loosening Up

Male and female players preparing for the tournament began practicing their putting around 5 a.m., working up a sweat even in these early hours. Even though it was just a light warm-up before the competition, their passion and focus for victory were more intense than ever. The players' determination to absorb every piece of advice from their coaches to improve their putting distance filled the entire practice green.

The carts at Hwasun CC in Jeonnam are lined up waiting for the players to take the course. Photo by Shim Jinseok

◇ All Golf Carts Mobilized

Dozens of golf carts were fully mobilized at Hwasun CC in Jeonnam, where the tournament was held, drawing attention. They were assembled to help manage the condition of the 120 male and female players gathered from across the country and to ensure the smooth operation of the event. In particular, the caddies, who had to drive the carts themselves, looked more tense than usual, clearly focused on ensuring the players' safety during the competition.

Although there were initial concerns about the heat, the temperature was cooler than expected, creating optimal conditions for the players to compete. The photo shows players Yang Yeeun, Moon Suyeon, Jung Seyoung, and Lee Dayeon warming up. Photo by Shim Jinseok

◇ Cool Weather, a Gift from the Sky

On the first day of the tournament, the heat that had been a concern was nowhere to be found, replaced by cool weather that even felt chilly at times. In fact, just the day before, the daytime high had approached 30 degrees Celsius, raising concerns in some quarters. However, on this day, from the first tee-off at 6:10 a.m. and throughout the matches, the temperature remained around 20 degrees Celsius, providing optimal playing conditions. Not only the female players, who generally have less physical endurance than the male players, but also families, coaches, and tournament officials at the venue were all pleased, saying it felt like a gift from above.

Players Hamin Kim, Inho Jung, Jiwon Park, and Daehyun Lee, assigned to the first group, are receiving an explanation of the game rules from a tournament official. Photo by Jinseok Shim

◇ The Competition Begins

In the first men's group of the morning, players Hamin Kim, Inho Jung, Jiwon Park, and Daehyun Lee signaled the start of the tournament by sending their first tee shots soaring skyward. Despite being junior players, their powerful swings, on par with adults, sent the sound of "ching~" echoing throughout the golf course, drawing continuous applause from the gallery. Some even shouted "Nice shot!" in excitement, cheering on the players.