High1 Resort Women's Open Victory, Second Win of the Season
Overcame Slump by Treating Wrist Injury and Regaining Long Drive Power
Aiming for Major Title in the Second Half, Challenging to Become the Best in Korea
Dreaming of World Number One and Olympic Gold as the Ultimate Goal
'Long drive queen' Bang Sinshil has returned. She is just as impressive as before?if not even more so, having grown further.
Bang Sinshil made a spectacular comeback by claiming her second victory of the season at the High1 Resort Women's Open on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, which concluded on July 13.
In an interview with Asia Economy on July 17, she said, "My goal for the first half of this year was to win twice, and I achieved it sooner than expected." She added with a bright smile, "In the second half, I want to win a major tournament and complete a three-win season."
Power hitter Bang Sinshil dreams of ranking number one in the world, beyond just Korea. Photo by KLPGA
Bang Sinshil was recognized early on as a rising star poised to lead Korean women's golf. After debuting on the regular tour in 2023, she made a strong impression by winning twice in her rookie year.
She captured her first career victory at the E1 Charity Open in May, then secured a second win at the Dongbu Construction·Korea Land Trust Championship in October. However, despite her wins, the Rookie of the Year award went to Kim Minbyeol, who had no victories, leaving Bang with some disappointment.
Last year was somewhat challenging for her. She finished as runner-up three times and in third place once, making the top 10 on nine occasions. However, she was unable to overcome the final hurdle and did not secure a win.
To make matters worse, she also struggled with a wrist injury. Bang Sinshil reflected, "Since the beginning of last year, I played on tour while also undergoing treatment for a wrist injury. Overall, I think my preparation was lacking, which affected my results." She added, "Now, my wrist tenosynovitis has almost fully recovered, but I think I will need to manage it consistently going forward."
Bang Sinshil showcased her long hitting power by sending the ball up to 324 yards at the High1 Resort Women's Open. Photo by KLPGA
This year, she regained her upward momentum. She claimed her first win of the season at the Nexen·Saintnine Masters in April, but soon after, her wrist injury flared up again, causing instability in both her swing and physical condition.
Nevertheless, she announced her comeback by lifting the trophy once again at the High1 Resort Women's Open. She said with a smile, "This win was truly valuable. I am proud of myself for overcoming such a difficult situation," and emphasized, "I realized just how important injury management is, just as much as performance."
Bang Sinshil has now become a smarter golfer. She is compensating for her previously lacking course management skills by adjusting her clubs. Before the Lotte Open, which ended on July 6, she lowered the loft angle of her irons by one degree each. This raised her ball trajectory, shortened her carry distance, and improved her shot control. She analyzed, "I am making small swing adjustments even during the season. Although weather plays a role, my total control has improved as my carry distance has increased and roll distance has decreased."
The High1 Country Club, which hosted the High1 Resort Women's Open, is located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. This high elevation made her club adjustments even more effective.
Immediately after her victory, Bang Sinshil visited the TaylorMade Performance Studio at South Springs Country Club in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, for a swing check and club fitting.
She emphasized, "In the second half of the season, I need to keep checking my swing and find the right loft and shaft for me to achieve good results."
Bang Shinsil is strengthening her short game and putting to aim for a major tournament victory in the second half of the season. Photo by KLPGA
Bang Sinshil's long driving ability stood out in this tournament. Her average driving distance was 259.5 yards, about 17 yards longer than the field average of 242.7 yards.
On the final day, she especially showcased her long drive instinct by hitting 324 yards on the 11th hole (par 5). She reduced her score by nine strokes on the par-5 holes alone, explaining, "On all four par-5 holes, I either attempted to reach the green in two shots or at least tried to get close to the green in two. This strategy allowed me to make many birdies."
Bang Sinshil's goal for the second half of the season is her first major victory. In September, two major tournaments are scheduled: the 'KB Financial Star Championship' and the 25th 'Hite Jinro Championship.'
Although she has yet to win a major, Bang Sinshil declared, "Winning a major is a goal I absolutely want to achieve," and added, "It would be even more meaningful to win the KB Financial Star Championship, which is sponsored by my sponsor."
The KLPGA Tour will resume with the Aurora World Championship on July 31. Although there is a break before the tour resumes, Bang Sinshil plans to focus on physical training, short game practice, yoga, and injury prevention exercises to maintain her balance. She said, "There are still many areas I need to improve. Over the next two weeks, I will work on building my fitness and refining my short game to prepare for the second half of the season."
Bang Sinshil's ultimate goal is to join the LPGA Tour. She also competed in the major tournament 'KPMG Women's PGA Championship' last month. She said, "Regardless of the results, I learned a lot by playing alongside world-class players. After returning to Korea, I have gained more composure and confidence."
In December, she plans to challenge the LPGA Qualifying Series as well. "From the moment I started playing golf, my dream has been to join the LPGA. Becoming world number one, entering the Hall of Fame, and someday winning an Olympic gold medal... I want to achieve each of these goals one by one."
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