Defending Champion Kim Suji "I Like Sunning Point CC"... 'Marching Toward 2 Consecutive Wins'

Suji Kim Leads KG·Edaily Ladies Open 1R at 6 Under Par
Sohyun Bae and Yebin Son Tied for 2nd, Gaeun Song Tied for 4th Chase
Jina Yoo and Garam Choi Excited with Hole-in-One Thrills

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] It is Kim Su-ji's (26) chance for a second consecutive victory.

On the 2nd, at the KG·Edaily Ladies Open (total prize money 700 million KRW) 1st round of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour held at The Shining Point Country Club (par 72) in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, she surged ahead with 6 under par. Since winning her first career victory in this tournament last year after five years of debut, the green light has been lit for her challenge for back-to-back wins.

Kim Suji is hitting an iron shot at the 11th hole on the first day of the KG·Edaily Ladies Open. Photo by KLPGA

Kim Su-ji swept up 6 birdies (1 bogey). Starting from the 10th hole (par 4) and continuing to the 3rd hole (par 5), she showed remarkable concentration by making 5 birdies in 12 holes. Kim Su-ji has delivered ‘special results’ in this tournament. After finishing tied for 19th in her first appearance in 2017, she placed tied for 10th in 2018, tied for 6th in 2019, and won last year. Last year, she also set her personal best first-round score with 9 under par 63.

Kim Su-ji said, “It’s true that The Shining Point Country Club suits me well,” adding, “If there were memberships available at The Shining Point Country Club, I would want to get one, but unfortunately, there aren’t any.” The Shining Point Country Club is a public golf course, so there are no memberships. She continued, “My ball flight also matches the course well, and from tee shots to second and third shots, the distances left are all ones I like.”

Kim Su-ji has shown solid performance this year, ranking 5th in average score, but she has yet to win. She said, “Although it’s not as good as last year when I shot 9 under par, I’m happy to finish the first round with a good score, and my confidence has increased.” She added, “I’m not anxious. Winning is something that heaven grants,” and said, “I think the expectations for my victory are bigger from those around me. I hope that if I enjoy playing, the win will come along.”

Bae So-hyun (29) and Son Ye-bin (20) tied for 2nd place (5 under par 67). Four players, including last year’s Rookie of the Year Song Ga-eun (22), tied for 4th place (4 under par 68). Park Ji-young (26), who ranks 1st in average score, tied for 8th place (3 under par 69), and Yoo Hae-ran (21), who leads in points for the Grand Prize, finished the day tied for 35th place (1 under par 71).

There were two holes-in-one during the day’s play. Yoo Ji-na (20) made her first-ever hole-in-one with a 7-iron tee shot from 153 yards on the 2nd hole (par 3), bringing her luck. Choi Ga-ram (30) made her third career hole-in-one when her tee shot with a 6-iron on the 16th hole (par 3), 150 yards, considering the headwind, hit the fringe in front of the green and rolled into the hole.

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