Hanjin Seon’s ‘Two Consecutive Shot Eagles’... "I am the Queen of High1" (Comprehensive)

'6-Stroke Victory' at High1 Resort Women's Open
First Back-to-Back Wins in 2 Years... 144 Million KRW Cheers
Im Jin-hee and Lee Ga-young Tied for 2nd, Park Min-ji 6th

There are players who excel in specific tournaments and courses. At High1 Resort in Gangwon Province, there is a distinct 'Number 1.'

Han Jin-sun has crowned herself the 'Queen of High1.' On the 20th, she fired a 7-under-par round in the final round of the KLPGA Tour High1 Resort Women's Open (total prize money 800 million won) held at High1 Country Club in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province (par 72, 6,573 yards), securing a commanding 6-stroke victory with a total score of 14-under-par 274. After winning her first career title at this tournament last year, she claimed her second career victory one year later. Successfully defending her title, she earned 144 million won in prize money. She currently ranks 15th in the season's money rankings (349.8 million won) and 18th in the points standings (178 points).

This year marked the 12th edition of the High1 Resort Women's Open. Han Jin-sun is the second player to win back-to-back titles after Lim Hee-jeong, but she is the first to achieve consecutive wins in two straight years. Lim Hee-jeong's back-to-back wins took two years because the tournament was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19, winning in 2019 and then again in 2021. Players who have won this tournament twice include Yoo So-yeon (2009, 2015), Lim Hee-jeong, and now Han Jin-sun, making her the third.

Hanjin Seon is smiling brightly and posing for a commemorative photo after achieving her second consecutive victory at the High1 Resort Women's Open.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Starting from a tie for third place, two strokes behind, Han Jin-sun collected two eagles and three birdies. On the 7th hole (par 4), her second shot from 161 yards was holed, and on the 11th hole (par 5), her third shot from 100 yards with a wedge disappeared into the cup. This is the third time in KLPGA Tour final rounds that a player has won with two shot eagles. Previously, Kim Se-young did so at the 2013 Hanwha Finance Classic, and then amateur Choi Hye-jin at the 2017 Chojeong Carbonated Water Yongpyong Resort Open.

Han Jin-sun exclaimed, "I was looking forward to this tournament. It was a lucky day." She added, "When the second eagle came, I even thought, 'This is my golf course.'" She smiled and said, "Last year, after my long-awaited first win, I couldn't quite believe it, and this time, I still can't believe it." Han Jin-sun was born in Cheonan, Chungnam, and moved to Sokcho, Gangwon Province at the age of two, where she lived for 18 years. Sokcho is practically her hometown. She has played in over twenty Gangwon regional tournaments held at High1 Country Club.

Han Jin-sun is a short hitter. This year, she ranks 106th in driving distance (232.12 yards). However, her greens in regulation rate is relatively high at 71st (73.69%). Despite her shorter distance, her shot-making skills are excellent. During this tournament, she benefited from fade shots on par 3 holes. She proudly said, "Depending on the situation, I can hit technical shots like draws or fades well." Han Jin-sun also expressed her desire to increase her distance. She said, "What I need to grow more is distance. My distance has decreased by about 20 yards compared to my rookie year. Since there are many rookies who hit very long drives, I think I need to increase my distance to compete with them."

Han Jin-sun put in extra effort to defend her title. She refined her shots at the practice range even after rounds because there were slight deficiencies in her swing. She explained, "I had some trouble adjusting to the green speed in rounds 1 and 2," adding, "Since this is a course I am very confident in, I was sure I could climb up anytime."

Hanjin-seon is smiling brightly after securing victory at the High1 Resort Women's Open.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Before the 2023 season, Han Jin-sun set two goals: defending her title and winning a major tournament. She said, "I have achieved one of my two goals this year. Now, I will challenge myself to win a major tournament." She expressed her wish, "I want to win the Hite Jinro Championship, a major tournament where I lost my chance at the end of last year."

Four players?Im Jin-hee, Lee Ga-young, Lee So-mi, and Ma Da-som?tied for second place at 8-under-par 280. Two-time champion Park Min-ji improved by three strokes to tie for sixth place at 7-under-par 281. Rookie of the Year points second-place Kim Min-byeol finished ninth at 6-under-par 282. Je Yi-young, who led the previous day, lost four strokes and dropped to a tie for 12th at 5-under-par 283. Money leader Lee Ye-won finished tied for 31st at even par 288. Yoo So-yeon, an overseas player who entered as a recommended player, finished tied for 39th at 1-over-par 289.

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