Sung Hyun Park Eyes Another "2017 Moment" After Comeback

CPKC Women's Open in Canada: Aiming for Victory Again
Top-10 Finish Last Week Ends Six-Year Slump
Fond Memories of Dramatic Comeback Win Eight Years Ago

Sung Hyun Park, who has made a successful comeback, is now aiming for victory.

From August 21 (local time), Park will compete in the CPKC Women's Open on the LPGA Tour, held over four days at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club (par 71, 6,661 yards) on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The tournament offers a total prize fund of $2.75 million.

The CPKC Women's Open is a special event for Park, as she won this tournament in 2017. That year, at Hunt & Golf Club (par 71) in Ottawa, Ontario, she shot a final-round 7-under-par to claim a come-from-behind victory, a memory that still stands out. Although the venue is different this year, it is still held at a golf course in Ontario.

Sung Hyun Park aims for victory at the CPKC Women's Open. Photo by KLPGA

Last week, Park showed glimpses of her former self at the Portland Classic, finishing tied for 7th with steady play. This marked her first top-10 finish in six years, since placing 8th at the AIG Women's Open in August 2019. After enduring a long slump due to injuries, she has started to display her peak form once again. Park said, "I felt no fear in my shots and putting. I'm especially happy that my putting is back on track."

Park faces a busy schedule ahead. Including the CPKC Women's Open, there are five tournaments left on the LPGA Tour before the Asian Swing begins. After the four events in the Asian Swing, only two tournaments remain, including the season-ending event, which is limited to 60 players. The Asian Swing tournaments are held without cuts and only players ranked within the top 70 in the CME rankings are eligible to participate. Even considering potential withdrawals, a player generally needs to be within the top 80 to secure a spot.

Currently, Park is ranked 120th in the CME rankings. She needs to move up to at least 80th before the Asian Swing begins. If she fails to qualify for the Asian Swing, it will be difficult for her to maintain stable eligibility for LPGA Tour events next season. Every upcoming tournament is now critical for Park. She reaffirmed her determination, saying, "Before the Asian Swing, I need to win at least once or finish in the top 10 every time."