[Golf Topic] Kim Hyo-joo Suddenly Withdraws "Symptoms of Neck Stiffness"... "Maintains 1st Place in Prize Money"

Kim Hyo-joo is preparing for a tee shot on the 2nd hole on the final day of the BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] ○..."Symptoms of a sore throat."

Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte) suddenly withdrew with 9 holes remaining in the final round of the BC Card-Hankyung Ladies Cup (total prize money 700 million KRW) of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, held on the 28th at Pocheon Hills Golf Club (par 72, 6605 yards) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. She started tied for 5th place, 3 strokes behind the leader, but showed discomfort in her throat throughout the round, losing 3 strokes with 1 birdie, 2 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. She explained, "I took painkillers in the morning, but the pain worsened."

Kim Hyo-joo has been focusing on the KLPGA Tour while the U.S. LPGA Tour has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is already her sixth tournament appearance. She has been competing for the title in every event, including her win at the Lotte Cantata Ladies Open on the 8th, as well as finishing second and fourth once each. She has maintained her position as the top money leader. She added, "I felt unwell right after the third round," and "Even with treatment, full recovery is difficult and it takes time to heal."

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