Kim Choyeon "Hole-in-One Bang~ Bang~"... "Name Change Effect?"

Two Record-Breaking Achievements Within a Month After Name Change from Kim Doyeon, Quadrupling Season Prize Money of 9.2 Million KRW to Earn "43 Million KRW in Additional Income"

Kim Choyeon is taking a commemorative photo after making a hole-in-one in the first round of the KLPGA Championship. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Hole-in-one.'

It is every golfer's dream. However, it is so rare that it might happen only once in a lifetime. The probability for amateur golfers is 1 in 12,000, and for professional golfers, it is 1 in 3,500. This is why Kim Cho-yeon (26) of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, who made two hole-in-ones within a month, is attracting attention. She made a hole-in-one at the 17th hole (par 3) of the first round of the KLPGA Championship on the 29th of last month, and again at the 17th hole (par 3) of the first round of the E1 Charity Open on the 28th.

Two hole-in-ones in one season is the first time in two years since Kim Hyun-soo (29, Lotte) in 2019. The rewards are also substantial. At the KLPGA Championship, she received furniture and bedding worth about 10 million won, and this time she won a Hyundai Staria Lounge 9 Prestige LPG 3.5 worth 33 million won, bringing her total additional income to over 43 million won. She has participated in six tournaments this year, earning prize money of 9.2 million won (ranked 96th), which is more than four times that amount as a bonus.

"I feel so dazed," said Kim Cho-yeon, "I could only think it was a miracle." She cheered, "I made one hole-in-one before in the Jump (3rd division) Tour, and this time I made two in a row." Kim Cho-yeon joined the KLPGA Tour in 2013 and joined the regular tour in 2017. Her best personal record is 14th place at the E1 Charity Open in her debut year. Since turning professional, she has suffered from wrist and pelvic injuries severe enough to take medical leave.

Last year, she changed her name from Kim Do-yeon to Kim Cho-yeon. The purpose was "to overcome injuries and become the best with composure." Although there have been no clear results since the name change, she has achieved the 'accomplishment' of two hole-in-ones. Kim Cho-yeon said, "It feels like a gift from heaven saying, 'You can do it, so don't give up.'" She added, "I gave the car I received this time to my father," and expressed her determination, saying, "I will do my best with the goal of finishing within the top 30 in prize money."

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