‘Title Defense After 3 Years’ Ko Jin-young: “Distance Matters, But I Don’t Want to Be Desperate”

Ko Jin-young

[Asia Economy Reporter Now Rae] "Coming to Canada always feels good."

World No. 1 Ko Jin-young (27) is set to defend her title in Canada after three years. From the 25th (local time), the CP Women's Open of the US Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour (total prize money $2.35 million) will be held over four days at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club (par 71, 6,546 yards) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This tournament was canceled for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic since Ko Jin-young won in 2019. At that time, Ko won by making 26 birdies without a single bogey.

After a practice round on the 23rd, Ko Jin-young said in an interview, "It's been almost three years since I last came," expressing confidence by adding, "My condition is very good." With a win at this tournament, she aims to achieve her fourth victory of the season, sweeping the most wins, money title, and Player of the Year awards. The venue has changed, and this is her first time playing at this golf course. Ko analyzed, "The fairways are excellent, so it feels like a new course. The greens are fast and roll well, and the rough is long. I think my irons need to be good."

- I saw you wearing earphones while practicing. What kind of music do you listen to?

▲ I only listen to tempo music. It helps me concentrate.

- You said you like coming to Canada.

▲ I had a friend living in Vancouver, Canada. Thanks to that, I have many great memories. My friend has now returned to Korea. It's a pity.

- You have maintained the No. 1 spot for a long time. Does it bother you?

▲ If I prepare perfectly, I believe I can maintain the world No. 1 ranking and anything else. I don't intend to feel burdened about being No. 1. There are many good players on the tour, and the No. 1 spot cannot last forever. Anyone can be No. 1.

- You missed the cut at the AIG Women's Open.

▲ I was sad to be eliminated in the qualifying round. After the tournament, I returned to Korea and needed more time to rest. After finishing the European schedule, I practiced more, and I hope to be better this week than two weeks ago.

- Your driver distance ranks 115th.

▲ Distance is important, but more important is saving par. I often felt that trying to increase distance reduced accuracy. Many players who don't hit long drives have also been world No. 1. I don't want to obsess over distance. I want to focus more on what I do well, like irons and putting.

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