Lim Hee-jeong "Title Defense GO"... 'Cut Off' Park Min-ji "Ready for Redemption"

Isomi Challenges 2 Consecutive Wins at High1 Resort Women's Open, Park Hyunkyung and Jang Hana Join, Park Heeyoung Appears as 'Recommended Player'

Im Hee-jung challenges to defend her title at the 국민쉼터 High1 Resort Women's Open.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the title defense match for Lim Hee-jeong (21, Korea Land Trust).

The Korea Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour Kukmin Rest Hi One Resort Women's Open (total prize money 800 million won), which kicks off on the 19th at High1 Golf Club in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (par 72, 6511 yards), is a fierce battleground. The tournament was not held last year due to COVID-19, so the 2019 champion Lim Hee-jeong is the defending champion. A total of 120 players will compete over four days in a 72-hole stroke play format to determine the winner. LPGA member Park Hee-young (34, Isu Group) is participating as a recommended player, adding to the excitement.

Lim Hee-jeong debuted in 2019 and is now in her third year. In her first year, she swept three wins including one major, earning her the nickname ‘Rookie Big 3’ along with Cho Ah-yeon (Dongbu Construction) and Park Hyun-kyung (Korea Land Trust, both 21). Although she did not win last year, she entered the top 10 five times and ranked 8th in prize money (526.06 million won). This year, she has yet to claim a trophy, which is frustrating. She has played in 16 tournaments and is currently 6th in prize money (333.28 million won).

She is recalling the thrilling memories made two years ago on the ‘Promised Land.’ At that time, she secured a commanding victory by 4 strokes, standing atop the leaderboard for the first time in her career. Above all, she has the advantage of being from Taebaek. She explains, "I am familiar with High1 Golf Club." It is also encouraging that she is on a clear upward trend. In the last three tournaments, including a joint 2nd place at the Daewoo Winia·MBN Women's Open last week, she has entered the top 10 twice. She expressed, "I will play with confidence."

Park Min-ji aims for redemption at the 국민쉼터 High1 Resort Women's Open.

It is a comeback match for six-time champion Park Min-ji (23, NH Investment & Securities). Last week, after a mishap involving a golf rule violation that resulted in a ‘quintuple bogey,’ she suffered the humiliation of missing the cut. In the 2019 tournament, she finished tied for 4th place. Lee So-mi (22, SBI Savings Bank) is aiming for her third win of the season with back-to-back victories. Prize money 2nd place Park Hyun-kyung and 3rd place Jang Ha-na (29, BC Card) are strong contenders for the title. ‘Japan-based’ Jung Jae-eun (32) is greeting domestic fans for the first time in 1 year and 2 months.

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