Highlights from the 11th Asia Economy Honam Cup Junior Golf Championship (2)

Players are submitting their scorecards after completing the first day of the 11th Asia Economy Honam Cup Junior Golf Championship. Photo by Song Bohyun

◇ Local Players Shine on the First Day of the Tournament

On June 12, as the first day of the 11th Asia Economy Honam Cup Junior Golf Championship concluded, the strong performances of promising local players stood out. In the boys’ division, four out of the top five spots were taken by local talents, including Sang Hyunjun, a second-year student at Kyungshin High School who unexpectedly took the lead; Kim Yunhu, a third-year student at Hampyeong Golf High School; Park Geonung, a third-year student at Seogang High School and a member of the national reserve team; and Yoo Minhyeok, a second-year student at Seogang High School and also a member of the national reserve team. In the girls’ division, four out of the top ten were local players as well, including Seong Haein, a first-year student at Bomun High School and a member of the national reserve team, who finished first with a score of seven under par; Pyo Songhyeon, a second-year student at Suncheon Bangtong High School and a reserve team member; Park Yul, a second-year student at Seogang High School; and Kim Gyoeun, a third-year student at Gwangju Soongil High School.

Female players participating in the 11th Asia Economy Honam Cup Junior Golf Championship are warming up before the match. Photo by Song Bohyun

◇ Underperforming Compared to Expectations... Hoping for a Comeback

The favorites to win the 11th Asia Economy Honam Cup Junior Golf Championship experienced mixed results. In the boys’ division, Cheon Seunghyo, a third-year student at Seogang High School and considered a national reserve-level player, finished tied for 12th with an even-par score. Kim Mingyu, a third-year student at Jinju Foreign Language High School who was also recognized as a reserve-level talent, finished three over par, falling short of expectations. In the girls’ division, Yoo Ahyeon, a third-year student at Seogang High School who was aiming for her third consecutive championship, finished one over par and is currently in 14th place, making a dramatic comeback on the final day, June 13, a necessity.