'LPGA Tour Long Drive Leader' Pasi: "Gender Battle in Men's Mini Tour~"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "This time, it's a gender showdown."

It is truly a mini-tour craze. With the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causing professional golf tours worldwide to shut down, even members of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour have stepped in, drawing even more attention. Maria Fassi (Mexico, pictured), in her second year on the LPGA Tour, made headlines by entering the men's Moonlight Tour held on the night of the 6th (Korean time) at the International Course near Orlando, Florida, USA.

Fassi was the runner-up at the Augusta National Women's Amateur held last April at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, the site of the Masters. After turning professional, she showed potential by finishing tied for 12th at the second major, the US Women's Open, in June. Most notably, she is a long hitter, ranking first in average driving distance on the LPGA Tour this year (292.7 yards). Compared to the PGA Tour, this ranks around 157th, and on a mini-tour with a course length of 7,300 yards, she is certainly competitive.

Fassi also expressed confidence, saying, "Right now, I think I can aim for a win," and added, "Someday, I want to challenge the PGA Tour as well." Fassi's coach, David Redbetter, introduced, "Considering (Fassi's) swing speed, LPGA Tour courses don't really suit her," and explained, "Currently, she is focusing more on short game practice such as wedge play and putting rather than driving distance."

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