LPGA Member Yoon Ina Heads to Jeju Island

Jeju Samdasoo Masters Begins on the 7th
Defending Champion Seeks to Overcome Slump
"I Will Focus on Meeting Expectations"

Overseas player Yoon Ina is hoping for a turnaround in Jeju Island.

From August 7, the Jeju Samdasoo Masters of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, with a total prize fund of 1 billion won, will be held for four days at Cypress Golf & Resort (par 72, 6,586 yards) in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. Yoon Ina will participate as the defending champion. Having joined the LPGA Tour in the United States this year, Yoon Ina is returning to play in front of domestic fans for the first time in nine months since the SK Telecom·SK Shieldus Championship in November last year.

Overseas player Yuna Kim challenges for a second consecutive win at the KLPGA Tour Jeju Samdasoo Masters. AFP Yonhap News

Last year, Yoon Ina claimed three KLPGA Tour honors: the money title, Player of the Year, and lowest scoring average. Although she entered the LPGA Tour with high expectations, her results so far have been disappointing. She has played in 17 tournaments but has not finished in the top 10 even once, and she missed the cut seven times. Her best result is a tie for 14th at the major tournament, the US Women's Open.

With the season now past its halfway point and approaching the final stretch, Yoon Ina needs a change in momentum. The Jeju Samdasoo Masters was the tournament that gave her a much-needed victory last year after returning from a one-and-a-half-year suspension. That win became the springboard for her to go on and claim both the money title and Player of the Year honors.

Yoon Ina said, "It is meaningful to play in my first title defense, and I am very excited to meet domestic fans again after such a long time. I will do my best to show a good performance and live up to expectations." She added, "My keyword for this year is 'growth.' I am working hard to grow with every tournament and every moment, and I truly believe I am growing. My physical strength and condition are good, so I want to show that I can take another step forward through this tournament."