Lee So-mi "Opening 2 Consecutive Wins GO"... 'Beautiful Golfer' Yoo Hyun-joo "Surprise Appearance"

Nexen and Saintnine Masters Victory Challenge, Jang Hana's 'Revenge Match', Joined by Choi Hyejin, Lee Seungyeon, and Lee Soyoung

Isomi challenges a 2-win streak at the opening of the Nexen·Saintnine Masters.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Lotte Rent-a-Car Champ’ Lee So-mi (22·SBI Savings Bank) is aiming for her second consecutive victory.

On the 22nd, the Nexen·Saintnine Masters (total prize money 800 million KRW) of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour kicked off at Gaya Golf Club in Gimhae, Gyeongnam (par 72, 6,813 yards). She is determined to continue the momentum from her win at the season-opening Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open held two weeks ago in Jeju. Lee So-mi joined the regular tour in 2019 and is now in her third year. She gained attention last October with a thrilling come-from-behind victory at the Huencare Women’s Open.

At the Lotte Rent-a-Car Women’s Open on the 11th, she demonstrated flawless skill by not making a single over-par throughout all four rounds, securing a two-stroke victory. It was her first win of the season and her second career win. What’s particularly interesting is her strength against the wind. During her first win, she effectively tackled South Links Golf Club in Yeongam, Jeonnam. The course was designed by Kyle Phillips, who also designed Scotland’s Kingsbarns and South Cape in Namhae, Gyeongnam, and Jim Eng, who has designed over 20 courses worldwide.

Since it is a course built on reclaimed land, there are almost no hills, but the strong wind influence allows players to experience the charm of a links course. The Lotte Skyhill Golf Club in Seogwipo, Jeju, where she earned her two wins, is also famous for its strong winds. The Nexen·Saintnine Masters is another course where the variable of wind must be considered. “I trained in Jeju last winter, so I’m confident even when the wind blows,” she explained, adding, “When the wind is strong, I focus only on my own play.”

Jang Ha-na (29·BC Card), who finished as runner-up in the opening event, is looking for redemption. She lowered her head after missing short birdie putts on holes 17 and 18 on the final day. Expectations are high based on her strong performances, finishing 2nd in 2018 and 4th in 2019. ‘Domestic No. 1’ Choi Hye-jin (22·Lotte) is making a comeback attempt for her first win of the season. She warmed up last week with a 12th place finish. Former champions such as Lee Seung-yeon (23·SK Networks), Lee So-young (24·Lotte), and Kim Min-seon 5 (26·Korea Land Trust) also participated.

Yoo Hyun-joo appeared as a recommended player at the Nexen Saintnine Masters.

‘Beautiful golfer’ Yoo Hyun-joo (27·Golden Blue) is drawing attention by participating. She is a popular player who brings issues to every tournament. After finishing 109th in prize money last year and failing to pass the qualifying tournament, she is seeking opportunities on the Dream (2nd division) Tour. This time, she secured a chance to compete through a sponsor’s recommendation. She focused on improving her short game, which was a weakness, in Gangjin, Jeonnam. “I completed my training well,” she said, adding, “Since this is the first tournament I’m participating in this year, I want to perform well.”

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