[2022 New Start⑥] ‘Q Series Top’ Anna Lin "This Year's Goal is LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year"

KLPGA 2-Time Champion Anna Lin Passes LPGA Qualifying School Top, Debuts at Gainbridge on 27th "Challenging Multiple Wins in the US"

‘Q Series Top Performer’ Anna Lin is challenging for the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year in the new year. Photo by Mediheal

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Rookie of the Year is my goal."

That is the determination of An Narin (26, Mediheal) as she enters the U.S. stage. At the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series held last month at Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan, Alabama, she secured the top spot as the second Korean player after Lee Jeong-eun 6 (26, Daebang Construction) in 2018, proudly entering this year’s LPGA Tour. "I will quickly adapt to the new environment and courses and repay with good results," she said.

An Narin debuted on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour in 2017 and achieved her first victory at the Otech Carrier Championship in October 2020 after 92 attempts. She attracted even more spotlight as she had never ranked in the top 30 in earnings or scoring average over the previous three years. In November of the same year, she won the Hana Financial Group Championship, marking her second career victory. Since then, she has been anxious without a win. Last season, she recorded eleven top-10 finishes and ranked 9th in earnings (601.86 million KRW).

In November last year, she gained confidence after a commanding 3-stroke victory at the KLPGA Tour’s special event, the LF HAZZYS Point Championship. Afterward, she boarded a flight to the U.S. and completed the Q-Series, a grueling 8-round, 144-hole marathon, finishing as the top qualifier. Since returning last month, she signed a main sponsorship contract with Mediheal, operated by L&P Cosmetic, allowing her to focus fully on golf.

Additionally, she secured sub-sponsorship contracts with coffee franchise Coffee Smith and Audi’s official dealer Taean Motors. "I am grateful for the sponsorship decisions," she expressed, "I truly feel the interest and support as I challenge the LPGA Tour." Her shot consistency stands out. This season, her fairway hit rate is 79.29% (13th), and greens in regulation is 73.63% (36th). Particularly, her average putting number ranks 2nd (29.52), showcasing her ‘stingy putting’ strength.

In October last year, she demonstrated competitiveness by staying near the top throughout the LPGA Tour BMW Ladies held in Busan, finishing 3rd. On the 11th, she departed for Palm Springs, California, to begin local adaptation training. She will make her debut at the second event of the 2022 season, the Gainbridge LPGA, held on the 27th at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Florida. "I will aim for Rookie of the Year and multiple wins and show a good performance," she said.

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