Rookie Song Ga-eun Wins in Overtime "Cheers for First Victory"... Lee Min-ji Takes 2nd Place

2.7 Billion KRW 'Jackpot' at Hana Financial Group Championship, Kim Ji-young 2 and Kim Su-ji Tied for 3rd, Lydia Ko Tied for 5th

Song Ga-eun (center) is being showered with congratulatory water immediately after winning the Hana Financial Group Championship in a playoff on the final day. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Song Ga-eun (21, MG Saemaeul Geumgo) secured her first rookie win of the year.

On the final day of the Hana Financial Group Championship (total prize money 1.5 billion KRW) held at Adonis Golf Club in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province (par 71, 6,480 yards) on the 3rd, she shot 3-under par to tie with 'Evian Champ' Minjee Lee (Australia) at 15-under par 269. She then clinched the victory with a winning birdie on the third hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 5). After 23 tournaments this year, she earned her first career win and received prize money of 270 million KRW.

Starting from a one-stroke behind in a tie for second place, Song Ga-eun made four birdies (one bogey). She gained momentum with 'stepping stone birdies' on the 5th and 7th holes but was halted by a bogey on the 10th hole (par 4). She launched a comeback with a birdie on the 13th hole (par 4) and secured a crucial birdie on the final 18th hole, dramatically forcing a playoff. The winner was not decided after pars on the first two playoff holes, but on the third playoff hole, she closely placed her third shot to the hole, confirming her victory.

Song Ga-eun is a rookie who debuted this year. Although she entered the top 5 three times, including 5th place at the major Hanwha Classic last August, she had not yet won a tournament. "I still can't believe it," said Song Ga-eun. "I'm so happy to get my first win in my rookie season," she cheered, adding, "Playing without regrets paid off." She said, "I think my mid-to-long distance putting helped me win," and expressed her desire to finish the remaining season well and win the Rookie of the Year title. She currently leads the rookie points with 1,761 points.

Minjee Lee, ranked 7th in the world and sponsored by Hana Financial Group, narrowly postponed her first domestic win. Kim Ji-young 2 (25, SK Networks) made a strong showing with a 6-under par round to finish tied for 3rd place (14-under par 270). 'KG·Edaily Champ' Kim Su-ji (25, Dongbu Construction) was also in this group. Lydia Ko (New Zealand), ranked 9th in the world, and last week's El Cru winner Yoo Hae-ran (20, SK Networks) finished tied for 5th place (13-under par 271) to close out the tournament.

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