[Weekly Hotstar] ‘Mulgeon’ Oh Su-min’s ‘300-Yard Distance Power’

Hana Financial Group Singapore Women's Open 3rd Place Surprise
Driver in Hand at 18th Hole for Second Shot Attack
Average 270-Yard Powerful Long Shots, Strong Heart
"I Want to Become a Player Who Surpasses Tiger Woods"

She is a "phenomenon." This is the story of amateur Oh Soo-min, born in September 2008. On the 10th, at the Hana Financial Group Singapore Ladies Open, the opening event of the 2024 Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour held at the Tanah Merah Country Club Tampines Course (par 72) in Singapore, she finished in 3rd place, just 2 strokes behind. Over three days, she scored in the 60s and led by 3 strokes through the third round but ultimately handed the winner’s trophy to Kim Jae-hee. Had she claimed the top spot, she would have become the youngest amateur champion in history at 15 years, 5 months, and 23 days old, ranking 4th youngest ever.

Oh Su-min is teeing off at the 2nd hole during the 2nd round of the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women's Open, the opening event of the KLPGA Tour 2024 season.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Oh Soo-min is a promising talent. Known as the strongest female amateur, she possesses both skill and star quality, including her appearance. Last year, she won the 30th Songam Cup Amateur Golf Championship and was selected for the national team. Standing tall at 173 cm with a slender frame, she boasts tremendous driving distance, averaging 270 yards. At the Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open last year, where she participated as an invited player, she demonstrated driving power exceeding 300 yards, eliciting gasps from the gallery. She finished tied for 9th in that tournament. She also showcased her skills competing against professional seniors in events such as the E1 Charity Open (tied 16th) and the SK Shielders-SK Telecom Championship (tied 14th).

Oh Soo-min has a competitive spirit. At the final 18th hole (par 5) of the 4th round at the Hana Financial Group Singapore Ladies Open, she showed boldness. Trailing the leader by 2 strokes, when her tee shot did not travel as far as expected, she grabbed her driver again and attempted a second shot. Because the driver head is large, it is difficult to hit the ball cleanly when placed on the grass without a tee. Although she did not succeed in reaching the green in two shots and settled for par, her spirit of challenge was applauded. She explained, "Since it was the last hole, I played boldly without regrets," adding, "I often use such shots in amateur tournaments, so I challenged myself without hesitation."

Oh Su-min is inspecting the green at the 3rd hole during the 3rd round of the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women's Open.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Besides her driver, her irons and putter are also excellent, which explains her consistent performance. She confidently stated, "My iron shots have improved a lot. I can place the ball well on the green where I want it." She proudly added, "My iron shots were good at the Singapore tournament. When I hit well, most shots landed within 2 to 3 meters." She was not intimidated even when competing against Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand), who is making waves on the LPGA Tour this year. She smiled and said, "She is a really cool player. I learned a lot from her and became a fan."

Oh Soo-min is already rapidly emerging as a blue chip in the golf industry. She is supported by Hana Financial Group, and her management is handled by Prain Global Sportizen. She also receives mental training and medical services. Her dream is big. It has been her goal since she first started playing golf in the 2nd grade of elementary school. She said boldly, "I used to think, 'When it comes to golf, it’s Tiger Woods (USA).' I want to become a player who surpasses Tiger Woods," and added, "I want to turn professional as soon as possible. I will become the best player."

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