Lee Ye-won, Park Hyun-kyung, and Hwang Yoo-min, alumni of OK Golf Scholars, a golf scholarship program of the OK Assignment Scholarship Foundation featuring OK Financial Group companies, vowed to do well in the upcoming Korean Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour’s OK Financial Group Women’s Open (total prize money of 800 million won), which kicks off on the 15th.
“I was an OK Scholar, and I remember having a good result (runner-up) in last year’s tournament,” said Lee, who leads the KLPGA Tour in money and points this season, at the official press conference held at Incheon Club 72, the tournament venue, on Thursday. “I want to work hard like last year and get a good result this year, too.”
Lee, who is currently ranked first with 989.38 million won in season prize money, could surpass the 1 billion won mark depending on the outcome of this tournament.
“I took a break from the tournament last week to replenish my stamina, so I’m in good shape,” he said. “I don’t want to think about the grand prize and the prize money, but I want to focus on my game as there are still many big competitions left.”
“I’m also an OK Scholar and this is my first time competing on the regular tour,” said Hwang Yoo-min, “and I want to do better than ever.”
“I would love to win the Rookie of the Year award,” said Hwang, who is second in the Rookie of the Year category behind Kim Min-byul, “but I think I perform better when I put those thoughts aside and focus on my game.
Park Hyun Kyung said, “I’m also from the second year of the OK Assignment Scholarship Foundation,” and added, “I aim for top 10 in other competitions, but for this one, I want to win.”
“I’ve been playing a lot on difficult courses recently, including major tournaments, so I’ve accumulated fatigue,” he said, “and a few days ago, I slept for 12 hours for the first time since I was in middle school.”
The defending champion was Kim Soo-ji.
“I’ve been on a good roll since winning this tournament last year, and I’m hoping for a similar result this year,” said Kim, “I’m looking forward to adapting to the new course and defending my title.”
Yoo So-yeon and Lee Jeong-jeong, who play on the U.S. Women’s Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour, are also in the field.
“This is my fourth KLPGA Tour appearance this year and my last domestic tournament,” Yoo So-yeon said, adding, “I have a friend caddying for me this time, but I want to have fun regardless of the outcome.”
Lee Jeong-eun, who missed the cut at the KLPGA Championship in April, said, “I had a disappointing result at that tournament, but I want to play better this time.” “I’m excited about the fans’ support, and I’ll do my best,” she said. 스포츠토토
