"Long Drive Queen" Yoon Ina: "I Love Having More Fans"... "Did You See the 286.1-Yard Shot?"

Evercollagen Queens Crown Day 1: 7-Under Par Leader, No Seunghee 2nd, Kim Jihyun and Jung Yoonji Tied 3rd, Lim Heejeong and Park Hyunkyung Tied 7th

Yoo Yina is teeing off at the 2nd hole on the first day of the Ever Collagen Queens Crown. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Rookie Yoon Ina (19) is the most popular star on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour.

She debuted this year and has played only 13 tournaments with no wins yet, but she draws large galleries. When her games are broadcast, the viewership ratings rise. Most golf fans now know Yoon Ina's name. The secret to her popularity is her powerful driving distance. She averages 263.7 yards, ranking first in driving distance on the KLPGA Tour. When she really swings hard, she easily surpasses 280 yards and can reach up to 290 yards. Her 170cm tall stature and swing style that utilizes ground reaction force for long drives stand out.

Her club speed is between 103 and 105 miles per hour. Few female players exceed 100 mph. Swing coach Oh Se-wook explained, "Even after changing her shot shape to a fade, her distance has increased compared to early in the season," adding, "We are correcting her swing to transfer power more efficiently at impact." She also has star quality and enjoys the applause from golf fans. Yoon Ina said, "I am very happy that more fans recognize and support me."

Yoon Ina energized the tournament with her explosive long drives. On the 14th at Lakewood Golf Club in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 6,539 yards), during the first day of the Ever Collagen Queens Crown (total prize money 800 million won), she shot 7 under par to dominate the top of the leaderboard. She boasted a perfect performance with seven birdies and no bogeys. On the 15th hole (par 5), she drove the ball 286.1 yards. Her aggressive play was outstanding, making birdies on all four par 5 holes.

Yoon Ina exclaimed, "This is the first time I have had no bogeys in a tour event," adding, "Above all, my wedge shots and short game within about 100 meters, as well as putting, were good." She continued, "Depending on the situation, my choices vary, but I try to use my long driving ability as much as possible." She admitted, "Actually, my tee shots today did not stay on the fairway well," and confessed, "My shots have been a bit off as the tournaments continue these days."

Im Hee-jeong is teeing off at the 8th hole on the first day of the Ever Collagen Queens Crown. Photo by KLPGA

No Seung-hee (21) is in second place, one stroke behind (6 under par, 66 strokes), while Kim Ji-hyun (31) and Jung Yoon-ji (22) are tied for third place (5 under par, 67 strokes). Second in prize money, Lim Hee-jung and Park Hyun-kyung (both 22) started tied for seventh place (4 under par, 68 strokes). On the other hand, last week's Daebo House Open winner Song Ga-eun (22) is tied for 43rd place (1 under par, 71 strokes), and defending champion Jeon Ye-seong (21) is tied for 67th place (even par, 72 strokes). Third in prize money, Yoo Hae-ran (21) struggled, tied for 95th place (2 over par, 74 strokes).

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