Imirim's 'Chip In Eagle' Comeback Show "I am the Major Queen" (2nd report)

Victory After Extended Battle at Second Major ANA Inspiration, First Major Champion and Fourth Career Win

Imirim is watching her tee shot at the 7th hole on the final day of the ANA Inspiration. Rancho Mirage, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Im I-rim (30, NH Investment & Securities) has ascended to 'Major Queen.'

On the 14th (Korean time) at Mission Hills Golf Club in Rancho Mirage, California, USA (par 72, 6,799 yards), the final day of the second major of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, the ANA Inspiration (total prize money $3.1 million), Im I-rim surged with a 5-under-par round to tie with Nelly Korda (USA) and Brooke Henderson (Canada) at 15-under-par 273. Then, on the first hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 5), she secured a precious 'winning birdie.'

This is her fourth career win and first major victory, coming 3 years and 6 months after the Kia Classic in March 2017. The winner's prize money is $465,000 (approximately 550 million KRW). She became the sixth champion of this tournament after Park Ji-eun (41) in 2004, Yoo Sun-young (34) in 2012, Park In-bi (32, KB Financial Group) in 2013, Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal) in 2017, and Ko Jin-young (25) last year. She is the third Korean winner this year following Park Hee-young (33, Isu Group, ISPS Handa Vic Open) and Park In-bi (ISPS Handa Australian Women's Open).

Starting from a tie for third place, two strokes behind, Im I-rim recorded one eagle, four birdies, and one bogey. She continued her winning challenge by collecting four birdies over 16 holes, including 'chip-in birdies' on the 6th and 16th holes (both par 4). Although she faced her biggest crisis by missing a 1-meter par putt on the 17th hole (par 3), she dramatically joined the playoff with a 'chip-in eagle' attempted from behind the green on the final 18th hole. In the first playoff hole, she was the only player to make a birdie, completing a dramatic comeback victory.

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