‘21 Career Wins’ Park In-bee "I Think I Did Well"…Victory Confidence from ‘Eagle on the 16th Hole’

Kia Classic 'Wire-to-Wire' 5-Stroke Victory "Looking Forward to Next Week's First Major ANA"

Park In-bee is cheering while raising the trophy immediately after winning the final day of the Kia Classic. Carlsbad, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I think I really did well."

This is the honest feeling of 'Golf Empress' Park In-bee (33, KB Financial Group). It was right after her 5-stroke victory at the Kia Classic (total prize money $1.8 million) of the LPGA Tour, which ended on the 29th (Korean time) at Aviara Golf Club (par 72, 6,609 yards) in Carlsbad, California, USA. It was a 'wire-to-wire' win, leading throughout all four rounds in her first tournament of the 2021 season. She earned her 21st career victory since the Australian Women's Open in February last year.

"It was my first tournament in over three months, and I played really well," said Park In-bee, expressing joy, "I couldn't believe how I played. I achieved better results than I expected." Starting with a 5-stroke lead, she made three birdies over 11 holes and sailed smoothly without major crises. However, she stumbled briefly with consecutive bogeys on holes 12 and 13. At the 16th hole (par 4), she made a precious eagle, distancing herself from her competitors' chase.

"The stroke difference was quite large, so I actually felt pressure," she recalled, "The eagle on the 16th hole gave me great relief." She rose to joint 25th in all-time LPGA Tour wins and is four wins shy of Park Se-ri (44, retired)'s record for most wins by a Korean player (25 wins). Park In-bee said, "Senior Park Se-ri has always been someone I respected since I was young," adding, "I am always happy to try to follow in her footsteps, and I am really happy to be getting closer to her achievements," with a smile.

She will challenge for her second consecutive win at the first major of the 2021 season, the ANA Inspiration (total prize money $3.1 million), held on April 2 at Mission Hills Golf Club (par 72, 6,763 yards) in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. It is the 'promised land' where she won in 2013. A victory would mark her 8th major title. "Honestly, I thought it was just preparation for next week's major, but it exceeded my expectations," she said confidently, "My good condition will be a great help."

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