Unforgettable Incidents in Korea Women's Open History: "Unbelievable Moments"

Ahn Shinae Life-Size Cutout Disappears During Tournament
High School Student Lee Eunju's Nightmare: Three-Putt Bogey from One Meter
Yuna Yoon Penalized for Delayed Reporting of Wrong Ball Play

The Korea Women's Open boasts the longest history and tradition among domestic women's golf tournaments. Since the inaugural event was held at Gold Country Club in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province in 1987, this year marks the 39th edition. Over the years, major companies such as Taeyoung Group, Kia Motors, and DB Financial Group have served as title sponsors, and prominent champions including Kang Choonja, Kim Mihyun, Shin Jiae, Seo Heekyung, Chun Ingee, Kim Hyojoo, Park Sunghyun, Yoo Soyoun, Park Minji, and Lim Heejeong have lifted the winner's trophy.

This year's tournament began on June 12 at Rainbow Hills Country Club in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province. Throughout its 39-year history, the Korea Women's Open has been the stage for various incidents and notable events that have drawn public attention.

At the 31st edition, held at Bearsbest Cheongna in Incheon in 2017, an unusual incident occurred when a life-size cutout of Ahn Shinae disappeared, drawing widespread attention. At the time, TaylorMade Korea was an official tournament sponsor, and Adidas Golf installed a sculpture of its signature golf shoe, the 'Powerband Boa Boost,' a signboard displaying the season's key message 'Infinite Cooling,' and a life-size cutout of their contracted player Ahn Shinae at the 13th hole to enhance the atmosphere.

However, on the final day of the tournament, Ahn Shinae's cutout suddenly went missing. Ahn Shinae was a popular player who attracted a large male gallery while competing on both the Korea and Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) tours. Some speculated that a fan of Ahn Shinae secretly took the cutout.

In the 31st Korea Women's Open held at Bearsbest Cheongna in Incheon in 2017, a life-size cutout of Ahn Shinae disappeared during the tournament. Photo by K&

At the 24th edition held at Blueone Dianus Country Club in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province in 2010, Lee Eunju, then a member of the national reserve team, became the protagonist of an amateur sensation.

Lee Eunju tied with professional player Yang Sujin, leading to a playoff. On the first playoff hole, the 18th, Yang Sujin made a bogey, while Lee Eunju was left with a birdie putt of about one meter, giving her a chance to win. However, despite being able to secure victory with just two putts, she three-putted for a bogey and ultimately lost in the third playoff, shedding tears of disappointment.

Yuna Yoon was suspended from participating after belatedly reporting a wrong golf play during the 36th Korea Women's Open in 2022. Photo by Yonhap News

At the 36th edition held at Rainbow Hills in 2022, Yuna Yoon's rules violation became a major controversy.

Yuna Yoon continued play with a ball that was not her own, and even after realizing the mistake, she failed to report it immediately, causing a stir. As the incident became known belatedly, the Korea Golf Association (KGA) and KLPGA imposed a suspension on Yuna Yoon, banning her from domestic tournaments for three years. Later, through its first board meeting, the KLPGA reduced the suspension from three years to one year and six months. Yuna Yoon made her return at last year's domestic season opener, the Doosan Construction We’ve Championship, and is currently active on the LPGA Tour in the United States.