K-Food Nolbu·Hwami Masters Final Round: 3 Under Par
Fourth Career Win, Second in Player of the Year Points and Average Strokes
Seo Gyolim in Second, Park Jooyoung Third, Lee Dayeon Fourth
Jungmin Hong has risen to the top in both wins and prize money rankings.
On October 12, at the 88 Country Club (par 72, 6,748 yards) in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Jungmin Hong carded four birdies and one bogey for a 3-under-par 69 in the final round of the K-Food Nolbu·Hwami Masters on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, which had a total prize fund of 1.2 billion KRW. With a total score of 12-under-par 204, Hong claimed victory by a one-stroke margin over runner-up Seo Gyolim.
Jungmin Hong is smiling while holding the trophy right after winning the K-Food Nolbu·Hwami Masters. Photo by KLPGA
This marks Hong’s third win of the season, following victories at the Chris F&C 47th KLPGA Championship in May and the Mediheal·Korea Daily Championship in August. She is now tied for first place in season wins alongside Yewon Lee and Bang Shinsil. In addition, with the winner’s prize of 216 million KRW, Hong has climbed to the top of the prize money rankings with 1.29402 billion KRW. She also moved up from fourth to second place (524 points) in the Player of the Year points standings, trailing leader Yoo Hyeonjo by 100 points (624 points). Her scoring average is also second best at 70.07 strokes.
Jungmin Hong was born and raised in Daejeon. Because her swing resembles that of Park Seri, a global star from the same hometown, she has been called “Little Park Seri” since childhood. After failing to qualify for the LPGA Tour in the United States, she joined the Ladies European Tour (LET) before returning to Korea, earning attention for her remarkable determination. Last year, she struggled with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, panic disorder, and skin allergies, but made a perfect comeback this year.
In an interview immediately after her victory, Hong said, “After the bogey on the 14th hole (par 4), I lost my rhythm and wasn’t confident about winning. But playing with the wind worked well and led to victory.” She added, “Since I’m in good condition this year, I believe I can win at least once more in the remaining tournaments. As for competing overseas, I’m still considering it. For now, my goal is to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics.”
Jungmin Hong is teeing off at the 2nd hole of the 3rd round of the K-Food Nolbu·Hwami Masters. Provided by KLPGA
“Mom golfer” Park Jooyoung shot five under par to finish third (10-under-par 206). Lee Dayeon, Yoo Hyeonjo, Park Hyejun, and Song Euna tied for fourth place (9-under-par 207). Lee Dong-eun, who was second until the previous day, struggled with a 1-over-par 73 and slipped to ninth place (7-under-par 209). Lee Yewon finished tied for 13th (5-under-par 211), while Noh Seunghee and Bang Shinsil ended the tournament tied for 18th (4-under-par 212).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
