Yoo So-yeon, the Driving Force Behind Strong Performance at Korea Women's Open: "Piercing Iron Shots"

Korean Women's Open Day 1 '100% Greens in Regulation' 2nd Place by 1 Stroke Shinbaram "Sign of Victory"

Yoo So-yeon is teeing off at the 3rd hole on the first day of the Korea Women's Open. Photo by Korea Women's Open

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "A 100% green hit rate has been achieved."

This is the secret to the strong performance of Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal). It was at the Kia Motors Korea Women's Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW) which opened on the 18th. On the first day, she swept up 6 birdies and stood in a tie for 2nd place, just one stroke behind 'Number 1' Ko Jin-young (25). Yoo So-yeon, who said, "I was very worried because it has been a long time since I participated in a tournament, but I think I had a good start, so I am quite satisfied," added, "After the birdie on the 1st hole (par 4), I gained a lot of confidence," and "I was pleased with the content as the green hit rate was 100%."

As a veteran with 9 wins on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour and 6 wins (including 2 majors) on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, her smart course strategy stood out. She sometimes used a hybrid or 3-5 wood for tee shots to keep the ball on the fairway. "I chose methods that could land on the fairway whenever possible," she said, expressing confidence, "If my shot condition is like today, I think I can play the course without much difficulty for the remaining three days."

She is a player particularly strong in 'national titles.' Starting with the 2009 China Women's Open, she consecutively won the 2011 US Women's Open, 2014 Canadian Women's Open, and 2018 Japan Women's Open. However, she has yet to conquer the Korea Women's Open. In 2008, she finished as runner-up after an extended playoff battle especially against Shin Ji-ae (32). She recalled, "At that time, there were thunder and lightning and a lot of fog, which were adverse conditions," calling it "the most regrettable moment among the domestic tournaments I participated in."

She emphasized, "Not being greedy is the strategy for majors." In this tournament, she attracted attention by bringing Lee Jae-hyuk (26), a gold medalist in the team event at the Guangzhou Asian Games, as her caddie. She explained, "I chose someone professional and familiar with me with the mindset of having fun." She smiled brightly, saying, "Winning the Japan Women's Open made me want to bring home our country's 'national title' as well," and "Starting well is a good sign."

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