"'Gangho Killer' Hong Jeong-min Crowned Match Queen: 'Back-to-Back Birdies in Last 2 Holes'... 'Teacher Caddie Effect?' (Comprehensive)"

In the Doosan Match Play Championship, Park Minji defeated in the Round of 16, followed by Song Gaeun in the Quarterfinals, Lim Heejeong in the Semifinals, and Lee Yewon in the Final with a 'walk-off birdie' sequence

Hong Jeong-min is holding the trophy and posing for a commemorative photo immediately after winning the Doosan Match Play Championship. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Birdie-birdie on the last two holes."

It's the amazing finishing power of 'Strong Competitor Killer' Hong Jeong-min (20, CJ OnStyle). On the final day of the Doosan Match Play Championship (total prize money 800 million KRW) held on the 22nd at Radenna Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province (par 72, 6,350 yards), she was trailing Lee Ye-won (19, KB Financial Group) by one hole but made a birdie on the 17th hole (par 4) to tie the match, then sank the winning birdie on the 18th hole (par 5). She received a winner's prize of 200 million KRW.

Hong Jeong-min is a player who advanced to the KLPGA Tour last year after going through the Dream (2nd division) Tour in 2020. She successfully made a smooth landing by ranking 18th in the prize money rankings (396 million KRW) with seven top-10 finishes in 28 tournaments. Despite finishing second twice, at the Jeju Samdasoo Masters in July and the OK Savings Bank Park Seri Invitational in September, she was frustrated by the lack of a win. This year, her putting has been shaky, resulting in three cut-offs in six events, showing struggles on the greens.

Hong Jeong-min is sharing joy with her 'teacher caddie' immediately after winning the Doosan Match Play Championship. Photo by KLPGA

This is why Hong Jeong-min invited a 'teacher caddie.' It is Kim Jeong-ho (63), the father of five-time champion Kim Hye-yoon (33). She started calling him 'teacher' after receiving his guidance when she accompanied Kim Hye-yoon on a training camp in the 5th grade of elementary school and asks for his help whenever she faces difficulties. Kim said, "Her putting stroke path had worsened," and "She gradually corrected it while going through the group league." In match play, players can practice putting after each hole.

Hong Jeong-min drew attention by defeating strong players, including defending champion Park Min-ji (24, NH Investment & Securities) in the round of 16. It is interesting that Park Min-ji had just secured her second consecutive win at the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, which ended on the 15th, attempting the first title defense in the history of this tournament and a 'two-week consecutive victory.' In the quarterfinals, she defeated last year's Rookie of the Year Song Ga-eun (22, MG Saemaeul Geumgo), and in the semifinal held that morning, she also overcame last year's second in prize money rankings Lim Hee-jeong (22, Korea Land & Housing Corporation).

It is noteworthy that Hong Jeong-min made a 'clutch birdie' in all four matches from the round of 16 to the final. Against Park Min-ji in the round of 16, she made birdies on the 18th hole and the first hole of the playoff; against Song Ga-eun in the quarterfinals, a birdie on the 18th hole; and against Lim Hee-jeong in the semifinals, a dramatic victory with a 'big par' on the second hole of the playoff. She said, "The teacher's help was great," adding, "I am happy to make my parents proud, and rather than winning immediately, I aim to steadily improve my skills and someday challenge the U.S. stage."

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