'Major Queen' Hong Ji-won: "I like courses that are challenging to conquer"

Second Major Win with Playoff Victory at Korea Women's Open
"No Desire to Extend Distance, Competing with Accuracy"

Brooks Koepka (USA) is nicknamed the 'Major Hunter.' Among his 9 career wins on the PGA Tour, an impressive 5 have come from major championships. A major force has also emerged on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. That is Ji-won Hong, now in her third year. On the 18th, she claimed the title after a second playoff round at the DB Group 37th Korea Women's Open (total prize money 1.2 billion KRW), held at Rainbow Hills Country Club (par 72) in Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk. Since her debut in 2021 and her first career win at the Hanwha Classic last August, this marks her second major victory, with a winner's prize of 300 million KRW.

Hong Ji-won is cheering while raising the trophy immediately after winning the Korean Women's Open.

Ji-won Hong smiled brightly, saying, "I prefer courses that are difficult to navigate rather than easy ones where everyone plays well," and added, "It's a great honor for me, who never even made the reserve team, to win the Korea Women's Open." With confidence boosted by her two major wins, Hong set her next goal also on major championships. She stated, "I will aim to win the remaining three major tournaments this season," and expressed her grand ambition, "I want to achieve the Grand Slam by winning all the major tournaments."

Hong is a precision player. Her average driving distance is only 224.06 yards (ranked 115th). However, she has no desire to increase her distance. Although her drives are shorter, she hits them more accurately than anyone else. This year, her fairway hit rate is by far the best at 88%. Hong said, "Accuracy is my weapon," and added, "Even if my ball is behind other players, as long as it lies on the fairway, I am confident I can get it closer." She emphasized, "I will accept my driving distance and focus on maximizing my strengths."

Until last year, Hong's top priority was maintaining her KLPGA Tour card for 10 consecutive years. But now, that has changed. She said firmly, "I want to be a player who wins at least once a year." She also joked, "These days, fans cheer for powerful long drives, but Hong Ji-won style golf is also fun to watch. My style, which avoids risky shots, is something I would recommend to amateur golfers. You never lose your ball." Hong revealed her aspirations, saying, "I'm hesitant to go to the U.S. stage because my driving distance is lacking and I might get discouraged. After playing domestically for about 10 years, I have the intention to try the Japanese tour."

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