[2020 New Start⑧] 'Verified Prospect' Son Yujeong "LPGA Rookie of the Year GO~"

Junior Era 23 Wins 'Special Rookie', Passes Q-Series 30th "Goal is to Win US Women's Open"

Son Yoo-jung challenges for the Rookie of the Year title in the 2020 LPGA Tour season. Photo by Volvik

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I will continue the legacy of Korean Rookie of the Year."

This is the determination of Son Yujeong (19, Volvik), a 'proven prospect on the LPGA Tour.' Last year, she ranked 20th in the money list with four top-5 finishes, including two runner-up finishes on the Symetra (LPGA's developmental) Tour. In October, she secured a regular tour card by finishing tied for 30th in the Final Qualifying (Q) Series, where the best players compete. She said, "I have finally entered the LPGA Tour, which I have dreamed of," and added her bold ambition, "I will challenge for Rookie of the Year with confidence."

Son Yujeong moved to the United States with her parents at the age of five and started playing golf at eight. She was a standout player from the beginning. She has 23 significant wins during her junior career. At just 11 years old, she won the U.S. Junior Golf World Championship. She also received the 'Player of the Year' award from US Kids Golf, showing early promise. Starting with her victory at the Oklahoma State Girls Junior Championship in 2014, she became the youngest winner (at 13) of the Oklahoma State Women's Amateur Championship.

She was praised for her outstanding skills and was called the 'Michelle Wie of Oklahoma.' She gained even more spotlight by winning the 2017 Swinging Skirts Invitational hosted by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the 2018 Rolex Girls Junior Championship. She dominated as an amateur with three wins in AJGA invitationals, which only top-ranked players can enter, and ranked second in the AJGA rankings in 2018. She is regarded as a star with proven skills and striking looks.

It is interesting that Son Yujeong found strong sponsors from her rookie season. The Korean golf equipment company Volvik promised support for the next two years, and cloud solution company Genesis joined as well. She has challenged the Korean Rookie of the Year title on the LPGA Tour for six consecutive years. She has no weaknesses and her consistent performance is her strength. Last year on the Symetra Tour, she recorded an average driving distance of 261.93 yards (45th), fairway hit rate of 71.34% (72nd), and greens in regulation of 69.95% (64th).

Her average putts per hole were 1.83 (51st), and her bunker save rate was 65.39% (7th). During the off-season, she focused on improving the short game, which was lacking by '2%.' On the 6th, she sharpened her competitive shot skills at the Symetra Tour Florida's Natural Charity Classic. Due to the spread of COVID-19, the LPGA Tour was postponed, and she is currently waiting for her first start with rest and training. She said, "My goal is to win the U.S. Women's Open," and added, "I will always be a player who works hard."

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