Song Ga-eun's Course Record "Saw Only 10 Birdies?"... Defending Champion Park Min-ji Ties for 10th at 4 Under Par

Daebo House Open Day 1: '4-Stroke Lead', Sung Yujin Tied 2nd at 6 Under, Lim Heejeong Tied 6th at 5 Under

Song Ga-eun is hitting an iron shot on the 6th hole on the first day of the Daebo House Open. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Last year's Rookie of the Year Song Ga-eun (22) is on a winning streak.

On the 8th, at Seowon Valley Golf Course in Paju, Gyeonggi-do (Par 72, 6,741 yards), she dominated the top of the leaderboard with a course record 10-under par on the first day of the KLPGA Tour Daebo House Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW). ‘Lotte Open Champ’ Sung Yu-jin (22), Kwak Bo-mi (30), Choi Min-kyung (29), and Kang Da-na2 (23) are tied for 2nd place (6-under par 66), while ‘2nd in prize money’ Lim Hee-jeong (22), Kim Su-ji, Oh Ji-hyun (both 26), and Lee Chae-eun2 (23) are tied for 6th place (5-under par 67).

Song Ga-eun swept up 10 birdies without a single bogey. She made consecutive birdies on holes 1 and 2, a birdie on hole 6 (par 4), and then caught four consecutive birdies from holes 8 to 11. She showed strong finishing power by adding three consecutive birdies from holes 13 to 15. Leading by 4 strokes, this is her second career win in nine months since her victory at the Hana Financial Group Championship last October. Song Ga-eun participated in 29 tournaments last year, showing consistency by entering the top 10 six times, including one win.

She ranks first in rookie points (2,177 points), 13th in prize money ranking (513.22 million KRW), and 16th in grand prize points (250 points). This year, she is also cruising with three top-10 finishes, including 4th place at last month’s Celltrion Queens Masters, ranking 23rd in prize money (142.76 million KRW). "My condition was good, and my shot feel was great," said Song Ga-eun, adding, "I once scored 10-under par during the Jump (3rd division) tour. Rather than focusing on winning, I will play without regrets."

Park Min-ji is teeing off at the 11th hole on the first day of the Daebo House Open. Photo by KLPGA

Lim Hee-jeong made 6 birdies (1 bogey). This is her chance for a second win of the season following last month’s major DB Group Korea Women's Open victory. Lim said, "My short irons worked well," and added, "Since this is a three-round tournament, I aimed to minimize mistakes on the first day, so I am satisfied."

‘3-win champ’ Park Min-ji (24) made 4 birdies and is tied for 10th place (4-under par 68). If she wins this tournament, she will set a rare record of ‘three tournaments with back-to-back wins in one season’ for the first time in 40 years.

Domestically, the late Gu Ok-hee is the only player to have achieved back-to-back wins in the Suwon Open, Donghae Open, and KLPGA Championship in 1982. Park Min-ji said, "My shots were good, so I had many birdie chances, but most of my mid-range putts didn’t go in. Still, I finished the first round in a position to compete for the win." ‘Mediheal champ’ Park Ji-young (26) and last year’s runner-up Seo Yeon-jung (27) are tied for 10th place, while ‘McCol champ’ Lim Jin-hee (24) and ‘2nd in grand prize’ Yoo Hae-ran (21) are tied for 18th place (3-under par 69).

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