[Golf Topic] Park Minji "Gives Up Title Defense"... 'Withdraws Due to Post-COVID-19 Throat Pain'

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] ○…‘Domestic No. 1’ Park Min-ji (24·NH Investment & Securities·photo) has withdrawn from defending her title.

On the 22nd, ahead of the 2nd round of the 3rd event of the 2022 KLPGA Tour, Nexen Saintnine Masters (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at Gaya Golf Club in Gimhae, Gyeongnam (par 72·6813 yards), she withdrew. Park Min-ji, who contracted COVID-19 two weeks ago, struggled with poor condition during the 1st round the day before. She judged that "recovering health is more important than enduring a sore throat and forcing to continue the tournament," and asked the organizers for understanding before withdrawing.

Her first-day score was tied for 64th at 1 over par. Park Min-ji is the player who dominated the KLPGA Tour last year by sweeping 6 wins including 1 major victory. She swept not only the most wins but also the prize money queen and the grand prize. She also set a remarkable record as the first player to surpass 1.5 billion KRW in season prize money. After returning from winter training in the United States, expectations for this year’s performance were high, but COVID-19 held her back. She will participate in the season’s first major, the KLPGA Championship, on the 28th.

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