Rookie Choi Hye-jin and An Na-rin "From Rivals to Comrades"... Jutanugarn Sisters Defend Title

'2-Person Team Match' DGLBI Victory Challenge, Koda Sisters as Title Contenders, 'Legend' Sorensdam and Webb Also Competing

Rookie Choi Hye-jin (left) and An Na-rin are challenging for their first joint victory at the Doug Great Lakes Bay Invitational.

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] 'From competitors to comrades.'

This is the story of rookies Choi Hye-jin (23) and An Na-rin (26). On the night of the 13th (Korean time), they will challenge for the championship at the LPGA Tour Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (DGLBI, total prize money $2.5 million) held at Midland Golf Course in Michigan, USA (par 70, 6,256 yards). It is the only two-player team event on the LPGA Tour, modeled after the PGA Tour Zurich Classic. The first tournament was held in 2019, and the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The competition is played in foursomes (two players alternate playing one ball) in rounds 1 and 3, and fourballs (two players each play their own ball and the better score counts) in rounds 2 and 4. Although it is a team event, winning seeds, prize money, and CME points are awarded. However, points for Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and world ranking points are not counted. Choi Hye-jin and An Na-rin are rookies who debuted on the U.S. stage this year. They are 'rivals' fiercely competing for the Rookie of the Year title.

In the Rookie of the Year category, Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) is leading with 840 points. Choi Hye-jin is second with 787 points, and An Na-rin is sixth with 222 points. Choi has played in 13 tournaments and finished in the top 10 seven times. She placed third at the Lotte Championship in April and the U.S. Women's Open in June. She also performed well with a tie for fifth at the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship on the 27th of last month. She ranks 5th in the money list ($1,409,538), 6th in scoring average (70 strokes), and 10th in Player of the Year points (52 points).

Choi Hye-jin is competing for the championship with a long drive average of 266.03 yards (31st), fairway hit rate of 79.84% (27th), and greens in regulation rate of 75% (6th). An Na-rin, who passed the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series as the top qualifier last year, is also adapting smoothly. She has played in 12 tournaments with two top-10 finishes. Her best result was 3rd place at the JTBC Classic in March. However, she has missed the cut four times in her last seven tournaments. She is aiming to turn the momentum around through this event.

Eriya (left) and Moriya Jutanugarn sisters aim for their second consecutive win at the Doug Great Lakes Bay Invitational.

Sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn (Thailand) are strong favorites to win. In their first year, they tied for 3rd place, and last year they showcased perfect teamwork by shooting 11 under par on the final day to secure a 3-stroke victory. Sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda (USA) are also dark horses. Kim A-rim (27) teamed up with No Ye-rim (USA). Former golf queens Annika Sorenstam and Madelene Saxstrom (both Sweden), as well as LPGA 41-time winner Karrie Webb (Australia) and Marina Alex (USA), are also participating, drawing attention.

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