Choi Hye-jin's Determined Comeback: "Washing Away the Regret of Overtime Defeat"

Park Hee-young Aims for Back-to-Back Wins as Non-Member at Australian Women's Open, So-yeon Ryu and Jo Ah-yeon Face 'Revenge Match'

Choi Hye-jin will once again challenge for a non-member victory at the Australian Women's Open.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "To wash away the regret of the playoff loss."

Choi Hye-jin (21) is in a state of 'Wasinsangdan (臥薪嘗膽).' On the 13th (Korean time), she will consecutively compete in the 4th round of the 2020 LPGA Tour, the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open (total prize money $1.3 million), held at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia (par 72, 6,648 yards). She joined the LPGA Tour in 2012, making this her 9th season. Korea has collected three championship trophies in this tournament with Shin Ji-ae (32) in 2013, Jang Ha-na (28) in 2017, and Ko Jin-young (25) in 2018.

Choi Hye-jin is the 'No. 1 domestic player.' As an amateur, she won two titles on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, earning the nickname 'Pro Killer.' Last year, she especially swept five wins including one major, claiming all individual titles such as most wins, prize money, Player of the Year, and lowest scoring average. She became the first four-title winner in two years since Lee Jeong-eun6 (24) in 2017. This year, she is focusing on the domestic circuit while eyeing entry into the LPGA Tour.

Last week at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, she missed a big catch she had almost secured. On the final day, despite strong winds, she shot 3-under par to tie with Park Hee-young (33) and Yoo So-yeon (30), but lost in the fourth hole of the resumed playoff after a tee shot mistake on the 18th hole (par 5), finishing as runner-up. It was especially disappointing as she missed the chance to earn an LPGA Tour card as a non-member. Choi Hye-jin said, "My condition is not bad," and vowed, "I will challenge for the win once again."

Yoo So-yeon, who lost in the playoff, and Cho Ah-yeon (20), who led through three rounds, are also seeking redemption. Park Hee-young aims for 'back-to-back wins.' She is determined to continue her momentum after winning her third career title at the Vic Open, her first since the 2013 Manulife Financial Classic, 6 years and 7 months ago. Korea is supported by players including Shin Ji-ae, Park In-bee (33), Lee Jeong-eun6, Yang Hee-young (31), and Lim Hee-jeong (20). World No. 1 Ko Jin-young and No. 2 Park Sung-hyun (27) are absent.

Nelly Korda (USA) is the defending champion. She recalls the thrilling memory of edging out Ko Jin-young by two holes last year. Her sister Jessica won her first LPGA Tour title at this event in 2012, setting a rare record of sisters winning the same tournament. Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden), the Gainbridge LPGA Champion, is a dark horse. Past champions including Karrie Webb (Australia) in 2014, Lydia Ko (New Zealand) in 2015, and Haru Nomura (Japan) in 2016 have joined the competition for the title.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.