'Sexy Icon' Yoo Hyun-joo Ranks 51st: "I'll Do Better Next Time"

Yoo Hyun-joo is holing out at the 1st hole on the final day of the KLPGA Championship. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Looks aren't everything."

It is truly the 'Yoo Hyun-joo Syndrome.' Standing tall at 172cm with dazzling looks, she enjoyed explosive popularity surpassing even world stars from the first day, and on the second day, she shot 6-under par to break into the 'Top 10,' showcasing her outstanding skills. It was rather disappointing that on the final day of the KLPGA Championship (total prize money 3 billion KRW), the first major of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour held on the 17th at Lakewood Golf Club in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 6,540 yards), she recorded 3-over par and finished tied for 51st place (1-under par 287).

Yoo Hyun-joo (26) played on the KLPGA Tour for two years starting in 2016 but lost her tour card. Last year, she attempted to join the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour but failed. Fortunately, she secured a conditional card by finishing 35th in the November qualifying tournament, marking her return after three years. This tournament was especially significant as it was the first event held worldwide after the global tours were shut down due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Overseas media from the U.S., Japan, and other countries also focused their attention on her.

Yoo Hyun-joo was particularly at the center of news as a 'sexy icon.' She responded, "I have never tried to gain attention through my looks, and I don't think highlighting appearance is negative," adding, "Playing on the first division tour itself means everyone has sufficient competitiveness." In fact, she boasted a 'perfect play' in the second round by collecting six birdies. Her 'computer iron shots' stood out, missing the green only three times.

On the third day, she exchanged four birdies for four bogeys, finishing even par and dropping to tied 30th place. On the final day, she gave away four bogeys (with one birdie), losing three strokes. She lamented, "I couldn't maintain my score in critical situations," and admitted, "My short game was lacking." She added her determination, saying, "I plan to participate in all upcoming tournaments," and "I will work even harder to repay the fans who passionately support me."

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