Hong Ji-won (23, YOJIN E&C), who is known for her precision iron shots, has made both of her wins into major championships.
Hong Ji-won emerged as the winner of the DB Group 37th Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship in a two-way playoff at Rainbow Hills CC in Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do, on Aug. 18.
Hong Ji-won, who entered the final round three strokes behind leader Madasom after three rounds the day before, appeared to be slipping away from the title after a double bogey on the second hole, followed by bogeys on the third and ninth.
However, she reeled off three consecutive birdies in the second half of the round to move back into contention and tie for the lead as her rivals faltered. Hong Ji-won battled Madasom and Kim Min-byul twice in overtime, and her iron shot on the green sank just short of the hole cup to win the title.
For her victory, Hong Ji-won earned $300,000 in prize money and crowned both of her victories as majors. Hong Ji-won won her first career title at last year’s incredibly difficult Hanwha Classic.
With the recent trend toward long hitters, Hong’s victory is a bit of a throwback.
Hong doesn’t have the longest driver distance of most players. Add to that a back injury last year that reduced her average driver distance from 229 yards (91st) to 224 yards (115th), and she was at a disadvantage.
However, Hong has a much more precise iron shot than most. In fact, she has hit 88% of her shots in the fairway this season, which ranks first overall. In addition, she has the guts to win two major championships.
“I’ve been trying to play more confidently on courses with a lot of variables, and I’m confident that I can make birdies on difficult holes,” she explained in an interview with the broadcasters after her win.
“My iron shots have been getting more accurate lately. That’s what led to the win,” he said, adding that he doesn’t have a secret to being good with the long irons. I just hit it more than others,” she said with a smile.안전놀이터
When asked about her future goals, Hong Ji-won said, “I won two majors unexpectedly. I hope to win the remaining three majors (KLPGA Championship, KB Financial Star Championship, and Hite Jinro Championship) to complete the Grand Slam.”