'Super Rookie' Minsol Kim Takes On Gimhae

Chasing Consecutive Wins at the Nexen Saintnine Masters
Long-Hitting 2006-Born Player Favored on Lengthy Kaya Country Club
"If I Keep Achieving Good Results, Rookie of the Year Will Follow"

'Super rookie' MinSol Kim is heading to Gimhae.

From April 17 for three days, she will compete in the Nexen Saintnine Masters—the fourth tournament of this season's Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour—held at Kaya Country Club in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do (par 72, 6,902 yards). Now in its 13th edition, the event will see 120 of the top players vie for the championship trophy and a total prize pool of 1 billion won.

MinSol Kim, born in 2006, is drawing the most attention. Last year, she mainly played on the Dream (second division) Tour, but as an invited player, she won the KLPGA Tour BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup, earning her a tour card, and quickly reached the top by also clinching the Dongbu Construction·Korea Land & Housing Trust Championship. Due to an insufficient number of appearances, she retains her rookie status this year as well.

MinSol Kim challenges back-to-back victories for two consecutive weeks at Nexen Saintnine Masters. Provided by KLPGA

MinSol Kim continues her strong performance this year. At last week's iM Financial Open, she claimed her third career KLPGA win, finishing four shots ahead of the group tied for second place. In this tournament, she will challenge for back-to-back titles. As a long hitter, MinSol Kim is expected to showcase her power on this course, which stretches over 6,900 yards—a layout that favors players who can drive the ball far.

MinSol Kim commented, "If I keep preparing calmly, just like last week, and continue to deliver good results, the Rookie of the Year award will naturally follow," adding, "Although I've never played at Kaya Country Club before, the long course length gives me confidence, and I plan to play boldly."

Other major contenders for the win include Ko Ji-won, the winner of this month's domestic season opener The Siena Open; Lim Jin-young, who won the KLPGA Tour season opener RijuRan Championship in Thailand last month; defending champion Bang Shin-sil; Yoo Hyun-jo, the 2025 Player of the Year; and Lee Ye-won, the joint win leader.

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