Yoo So-yeon '10 Domestic Wins'... "This Time, the National Title~"

Korean Women's Open Final Day 1-Stroke Victory "Sweeping 5 National Titles," Kim Hyo-joo 2nd Place

Yoo So-yeon is taking a shot on the 1st hole on the final day of the Korea Women's Open. Photo by Korea Women's Open

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "A par save with a bunker shot on the final 18th hole."

This was a brilliant finish by world No. 18 So-yeon Yu (30, Mediheal). On the 21st, at the Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon (par 72, 6,929 yards), she recorded an even-par round on the final day of the KLPGA Tour Kia Motors Korea Women's Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW) to secure a one-stroke victory (12-under 276). This marked her 10th KLPGA Tour win, her first in 4 years and 10 months since the 2015 High1 Resort Women's Open, with a winner's prize of 250 million KRW.

So-yeon Yu started the day one stroke ahead and displayed rock-solid defense, recording only one birdie and one bogey. She exchanged a birdie on the 5th hole (par 5) for a bogey on the 9th hole (par 4), then maintained a 'par march' through all nine holes on the back nine. The highlight was the 'winning par' on the 18th hole (par 4), where she was in a fierce battle for the title with Hyo-joo Kim (25, Lotte). Although her second shot landed in the greenside bunker, she finished with a miraculous short game shot that landed close to the hole.

It is interesting that So-yeon Yu has swept five national titles in five countries. Starting with the 2009 China Women's Open, she went on to win the 2011 US Women's Open, the 2014 Canadian Women's Open, and the 2018 Japan Women's Open. This victory also signifies her 'revenge' at this tournament after 12 years. She had the painful experience of finishing runner-up in 2008 after a playoff that extended to the third extra hole against Ji-ae Shin (32). Hyo-joo Kim finished in second place (11-under 277).

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