Hanjin Sun Tied for Second by One Stroke... Proving Herself as the "Queen of Gangwon-do"

A Fresh Start with a 5-Under-Par in Round 1 of the High1 Resort Women's Open
Back-to-Back Victories in 2022 and 2023 at the "Land of Promise"
"I Slept Well After Arriving at High1 Resort"

Hanjin Sun is known as the "Queen of Gangwon-do."

She has always performed well in tournaments held in Gangwon-do. In particular, she excelled at the High1 Resort Women's Open on the KLPGA Tour, held at High1 Country Club (par 72) in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. She claimed her first career victory at this venue in 2022 and successfully defended her title the following year. Both of her two KLPGA Tour wins came at High1 Country Club. Although she did not achieve a third consecutive win last year, she still finished in seventh place.

Hanjin Sun is teeing off at the 7th hole during the first round of the High1 Resort Women's Open. Photo by KLPGA

Hanjin Sun showed her strength once again. On July 10, during the first round of the tournament, she shot a 5-under-par 67. She is tied for second place, just one stroke behind Jo Yerim, who shot a 6-under-par 66. She has set the stage to challenge for her third victory at High1 Country Club.

Hanjin Sun began by saying, "After arriving at High1 Resort, I slept well and my condition is good." She added, "Missing out on a third consecutive win last year actually relieved some of the pressure to perform well." She continued, "I'm not a long hitter, so my style is to compete with short irons. On this course, as long as I hit a good tee shot, I can create opportunities, which allows me to play comfortably. Today, I made a lot of mid-range putts, so I really felt that this course suits me."

Hanjin Sun explained, "The green grass is long, so it really affects the grain. Even if there isn't a visible line, the direction the grass lies in changes the way the ball rolls." She added, "I calculated that well and my putting worked." Hanjin Sun, who lost to Lee Gayoung in a playoff at the Celltrion Queens Masters on June 8, said, "I was so frustrated that I couldn't sleep, but it became a turning point for me to work harder. I made up my mind to win at least once this year. I will do my best in this tournament," expressing her determination.