'Emerging' Oh Ji-hyun Makes Birdie at Masters... "Still Alive"

Event Par 3 Contest 9th Hole 'Pinch-Hitter Birdie'
Husband Kim Si-woo: "Masters Participation Is a Gift from My Wife"

‘Selected’ Oh Ji-hyun showcased her undiminished skills.

On the 5th (local time), Oh Ji-hyun made a birdie at the Masters event ‘Par 3 Contest’ held at nine par-3 holes near Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. Serving as the caddie for her husband Kim Si-woo, Oh Ji-hyun hit a tee shot with a 9-iron on the 9th hole (115 yards), landing the ball 70 cm from the hole, and successfully made the birdie putt herself, earning applause from fans. Thanks to Oh Ji-hyun’s birdie, Kim Si-woo recorded 4 under par and rose to a tie for 4th place.

Oh Ji-hyun (right) cheers after hitting a tee shot within 70cm of the hole at the 9th hole of the Masters Par 3 Contest. Her husband Kim Si-woo's even more delighted reaction is impressive.
[Augusta (USA)=EPA·Yonhap News]

The Par 3 Contest is an event where players bring their wives, girlfriends, or children as caddies to fully enjoy a festive atmosphere. The accompanying caddie has a ‘substitute chance’ to take shots or putts on behalf of the player. However, there is a ‘jinx’ that the winner does not get to wear the ‘Green Jacket.’

Oh Ji-hyun, who has won a total of seven times on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, accompanied Kim Si-woo to this year’s Masters after marrying him in December last year. Oh Ji-hyun smiled, saying, "I practiced about one box of balls," adding, "I didn’t want to drop the ball into the water." She expressed her love, saying, "I really wanted to come to the Masters, and I’m thankful I could come like this," and "My husband is cool, right?"

Kim Si-woo also said with a big smile, "Before marriage, I didn’t have a Masters invitation, but after winning a PGA Tour event in January this year, I got to play at the Masters, so it’s a Masters appearance gifted by Ji-hyun." He added, "My fellow players know that Ji-hyun is a former player, and seeing her play so well like this makes me proud."

On the 6th, Kim Si-woo will play the 1st and 2nd rounds against Phil Mickelson, the ‘face of LIV Golf,’ and Tom Hoge, this year’s Par 3 Contest winner (both from the USA). Kim Si-woo has competed in the Masters six times, with his best finish being a tie for 12th place in 2021. He vowed, "The weather during the tournament is expected to be bad, but I have experience playing in such conditions," and "If I prepare well and play, there will be opportunities."

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