‘Number 1’ Ko Jin-young "Rematch for Runner-up"... Boutier "Title Defense"

Declaration of 2 Wins at ShopRite Classic, ‘Golf Queen’ Park In-bee Returns After 5 Weeks, ‘Rookie’ Choi Hye-jin Challenges for First Victory Again

'Number 1' Ko Jin-young aims for revenge at the ShopRite Classic.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is a rematch for world No. 1 Ko Jin-young (27).

On the 10th (Korean time), the ShopRite Classic of the LPGA Tour (total prize money $1.75 million) is held at Bay Course (par 71, 6,190 yards) of Seaview Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey, USA. The winner is decided through a 54-hole stroke play over three days. Last year, Ko Jin-young was tied for the lead by 2 strokes with 'Golf Empress' Park In-bee (34, KB Financial Group) until the second round but lost the winner's cup to C?line Boutier (France) on the final day and finished tied for second.

Ko Jin-young is the undisputed 'Number 1' who has dominated the world women's golf scene. She has swept 13 wins including 2 majors. She won the Rookie of the Year in 2018, and Player of the Year, Vare Trophy, and money title in 2019. She was the first Korean player to win the money title three consecutive times (2019?2021) and received the Player of the Year award twice (2019, 2021). She is continuing her strong momentum this year as well. She demonstrated her power by winning the HSBC Women's World Championship in her first appearance this March.

Her mistakes became a topic of discussion. In the third round of the DIO Implant LA Open last April, she made a 'quadruple bogey' due to a shot mistake in the mud on the 17th hole (par 4), and in the fourth round on the 7th hole (par 3), she recorded a '4-putt double bogey.' She has entered the top 5 four times in seven tournaments this year. She ranks high in all categories including 2nd in CME Globe Race (1,293 points) and scoring average (69.57), 3rd in Player of the Year (63 points), and 4th in earnings ($1,002,247).

Her shot accuracy is outstanding with a fairway hit rate of 82.65% (14th) and green in regulation rate of 74.41% (9th). When hitting the green, her putts per hole are 1.77 (25th). She boasts consistency with 14 rounds in the 60s, ranking 2nd. Ko Jin-young finished 4th in last week's major US Women's Open, showing relatively good form. She expressed confidence, saying, "I did my best this week and I believe I can perform well in the remaining tournaments with good play."

Celine Boutier will challenge for her second consecutive win at the ShopRite Classic.

Boutier aims for a second consecutive win. Last year, she started tied for 10th place, 5 strokes behind, and showed strong resilience by shooting 8 under par. She collected 8 birdies including 'three pairs of consecutive birdies.' She recalls winning her second career victory after 2 years and 8 months since the ISPS Handa Vic Open in February 2019. Park In-bee from Korea will compete after 5 weeks. She skipped the US Women's Open to manage her condition and is expected to have a physical advantage.

Rookie Choi Hye-jin (23, Lotte) is challenging for her first victory again. She finished 3rd at the US Women's Open, the best among Korean players. She has placed in the top 10 six times this season. She ranks 3rd in earnings ($1,104,203) and 2nd in Rookie of the Year points (611). 'US Women's Open Champion' Minjee Lee (Australia) has chosen to rest. Lydia Ko (New Zealand), Nasa Hataoka (Japan), Brooke Henderson (Canada), and Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) are also contenders for the title.

Rookie Choi Hye-jin eyes her first victory at the ShopRite Classic.

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