Competing in the Dow Championship Team Event
Foursomes in Rounds 1 and 3, Four-ball in Rounds 2 and 4 Will Decide the Winners
Victory Guarantees a Two-Year Tour Card and Stable Tour Careers
Somi Lee and Jinhee Im are joining forces.
The two players will compete in the Dow Championship, a tournament on the LPGA Tour with a total prize fund of $3.3 million, held at Midland Country Club (par 72) in Midland, Michigan, United States, for four days starting June 26 (local time).
Somi Lee challenges for the championship at the Team Competition Dow Championship. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
The Dow Championship is a two-player team competition in which 142 players form pairs and compete for ranking. The 1st and 3rd rounds are played in the foursomes format, where the two players alternate shots with a single ball. The 2nd and 4th rounds use the four-ball format, where each player plays their own ball and the better score on each hole counts as the team score.
Teams with players whose performance levels do not differ significantly and who have good chemistry are at an advantage. Jinhee Im and Somi Lee have each recorded six and five wins, respectively, on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, and have been playing on the LPGA Tour since last year. Although both have been considered likely to win at any time, neither has yet claimed a championship title.
Somi Lee has been showing impressive momentum recently, finishing in the top 10 in both of her most recent tournaments. Notably, she achieved her best-ever major finish by tying for 8th place at last week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Jinhee Im finished 18th on the money list last year and was runner-up in the Rookie of the Year race. This year, she has already recorded three top-10 finishes, demonstrating top-tier performance.
The Dow Championship presents an opportunity for both players, who have yet to secure their first win. Their similar performance levels and strong teamwork give them an advantage. A victory would guarantee both players a two-year tour card. The honor and recognition given to tour champions are the same as at other tournaments, allowing them to continue their tour careers with greater stability.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
