Dayeon Lee Leads by 3 Shots "7-Under Par Moving Day Surge" ... Hyejin Choi in 2nd Place 'Chasing Battle'

Hanwha Classic Day 3: 7-Under Par Course Record Tie, Kim Ji-hyun and Hong Ji-won Tied for 3rd, Park Min-ji Tied for 38th

Lee Dayeon is examining the putting line on the 8th hole of the third day of the Hanwha Classic. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "7-under par moving day sprint."

Lee Da-yeon (24, Mediheal) has finally seized the momentum. On the 28th, at Jade Palace Golf Club in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (par 72, 6,735 yards), during the third day of the KLPGA Tour Hanwha Classic (total prize money 1.4 billion KRW), she surged with a 7-under par round to take a commanding 3-stroke lead (13-under par 203 strokes). Choi Hye-jin (22, Lotte) is in second place (10-under par 206 strokes), while Kim Ji-hyun (30) and Hong Ji-won (21, Yojin Construction) are tied for third (9-under par 207 strokes), setting the stage for a final chase.

Starting from a tie for third place, just one stroke behind, Lee Da-yeon made seven birdies, including four consecutive birdies from holes 2 to 5. The 7-under par ties the course record set by Oh Ji-hyun (25, KB Financial Group) and Jessica Korda (USA) during the third round of this tournament in 2017. A 10-meter birdie putt on the final 18th hole (par 5) narrowly missed, preventing a new record. Despite a fairway hit rate of only 42.86%, her green hit rate was an impressive 88.89%, showcasing what was described as ‘computer iron shots.’

This is a golden opportunity for Lee Da-yeon to claim her sixth career victory after a long gap of 1 year and 8 months since the Hyosung Championship in December 2019, which was included in the 2020 season. She expressed, "From the start of the round, both my shots and putting felt good," adding, "I wanted to set a course record, but my third shot on the 18th hole was shorter than expected," showing some regret. She also mentioned, "During the Tokyo Olympics, archer An San’s phrase ‘Don’t be nervous, just shoot casually’ left a strong impression on me," and vowed, "I will play confidently again tomorrow."

Choi Hye-jin remains a player to watch. She was on a 5-under par streak over 14 holes but faltered with a bogey caused by a tee shot error on the 15th hole (par 3). The previous day’s leader, Kim Ji-hyun, stumbled with a 2-under par round. Her iron shots wavered in the first six holes, resulting in 3-over par, but she recovered by making five birdies afterward, keeping her in contention for the title. Six-time champion Park Min-ji (23, NH Investment & Securities) is taking it easy, posting 1-under par for two consecutive days and sitting tied for 38th place (even par 216 strokes). 'Samdasoo Champion' Oh Ji-hyun (25, KB Financial Group) withdrew from the tournament.

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