‘Chaseok’ Lee Somi: "It Seems Like a Challenging Tour"

Q Series 2nd Place Pass, LPGA Rookie Debut Next Year
Significant Distance Drop on Final Day, 'Physical Training' Needed
Thorough Preparation for Climate and Turf Adaptation in US Training
"I Will Cherish and Compete in Every Tournament"

"I felt that I had to work harder to survive in the United States."

This is the honest feeling of Lee So-mi, who passed the LPGA Tour qualifying tournament as the runner-up. On the 6th, Lee So-mi finished tied for 2nd place at the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series held at Magnolia Grove Crossing Course in Mobile, Alabama. She secured a full LPGA Tour card for next year by finishing in the top 20 in the Q Series, which was played over 6 rounds and 108 holes of stroke play. She said, "I didn't expect to pass with such a good result," and admitted, "The players in the qualifying tournament were very strong."

Lee So-mi, who passed the LPGA Tour Q-Series as the runner-up, expressed her ambition, saying, "It seems to be a tough tour. I will prepare harder and show a better performance."

Lee So-mi is a quietly strong player. She debuted on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour in 2019 and has accumulated a total of 5 wins. She won twice each in 2021 and 2022. Although she did not win this year, she showed remarkable consistency by finishing in the top 10 twelve times, including two runner-up finishes. She ranks 7th in prize money (741.29 million KRW), 6th in points for the Player of the Year (499 points), and 6th in scoring average (71.26 strokes). Last April, she was invited to the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship in Hawaii and performed well, finishing 5th.

Lee So-mi was very nervous before participating in the Q Series. This was uncharacteristic of her. She said, "Before going to the U.S., I talked with my friends and kept saying, 'I will definitely pass the qualifying tournament.' I told them, 'Just go with a light heart and come back.'" She recalled, "But when I actually got to the tournament site, the course was very difficult. I realized I had underestimated it."

Lee So-mi is smiling brightly after receiving her certificate of acceptance, having passed the LPGA Tour Q-Series tied for 2nd place.

Lee So-mi led by 2 strokes through the first 5 rounds of the Q Series. Following Anna Lin in 2021 and Yoo Hae-ran last year, a Korean player topping the list for three consecutive years was anticipated. However, on the final day, she recorded 1 birdie and 2 bogeys. Lee So-mi expressed regret, saying, "Honestly, I wanted to be the top qualifier, but it didn't go as I wished." From rounds 1 to 5, she hit her tee shots long. While her playing partners used a 4-iron for their second shots, she was using a 7-iron. However, in the 6th round, her distance strangely decreased. She analyzed, "I felt my stamina dropping. If my fitness had held up, I think I could have achieved better results."

Since returning to Korea on the 8th, Lee So-mi has been resting. She is also preparing her visa and looking for a caddie and manager. She said, "Because I played the Q Series, my season ended later than my friends. I am enjoying myself by eating with friends and resting." She plans to tour in the U.S. with her father. She expressed gratitude, saying, "Even when I played domestically, my father's help was huge. I am just thankful."

Until last year, Lee So-mi trained in Thailand. After building her body in a warm place, she returned to Korea and demonstrated tremendous power. Next year, she will change her training location. She explained, "I think I need to adapt to the climate, grass, and new environment in the U.S. That is why I chose the U.S. over Thailand." Lee So-mi plans to focus on physical training during the off-season. She intends to address her stamina issues. She is currently training with a personal trainer at a fitness center located within her apartment complex.

Isomi plans to leave for training camp in the United States next year to focus intensively on short game practice around the green.

Lee So-mi is a player without weaknesses. Her driving distance, irons, and putting are all above average. She laughed, saying, "There is nothing I excel at or am bad at. In a way, that might be my strength." The qualifying tournament gave her a strong motivation. She honestly said, "The players in the qualifying tournament are all quite skilled. If competing with these players is this tough, I wondered how difficult the regular tour would be." She added, "This is a period when LPGA Tour players' skills are rapidly improving. It won't be easy to achieve good results without thorough preparation. I need to strengthen my mindset." Lee So-mi identified stamina, distance, and short game as the keys to success in the U.S. She predicted, "I think the competition will be decided within 100 meters."

Lee So-mi cautiously approached her goals for next season. She said, "It's awkward to say I will win and receive Rookie of the Year," and added carefully, "Since I haven't experienced the LPGA Tour yet, I can't say anything now." She said, "After playing one or two tournaments, I think I will set my goals. For now, I just have to do my best in every tournament," and promised, "Since each tournament is precious, I will focus and work hard to achieve good results." This is her resolution before her U.S. debut. "I want to play with less stress. I will clear my mind and compete carefully."

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