The '13th E1 Charity Open,' a representative charity event of the KLPGA Tour (total prize money 1 billion won, winner's prize 180 million won), will kick off at the Ferum Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, from May 23 for three days.

The '13th E1 Charity Open,' the ninth tournament of the 2025 KLPGA Tour season, is hosted by the eco-friendly LPG specialist company E1. Marking its 13th year, the tournament increased the total prize money by 100 million won, elevating it to over 1 billion won. With a total of 144 players having thrown their hats into the ring for the championship, it seems fierce competition is expected again this year, as only one multiple winner has been allowed so far.

Attention is drawn to Bae So-hyun (32, Mediheal), who won her first career victory in this tournament after 13 years of debuting last year, as she returns as the defending champion.

Bae So-hyun noted, "I am excited and can’t wait to compete in my first tournament as the defending champion," adding, "Since this tournament gave me my first victory, I will do my best to successfully defend my title."

She continued, "My shots are getting better, so I am managing my body so it doesn't become physically strained," and shared her strategy: "At Ferum Club, I need to hit my tee shot as far as possible and target the green with a shorter club. I plan to pay attention to the distance and spin control of my wedge shots."

Yee Ye-won (22, Mediheal), who captured her third win of the season by winning the '17th Doosan Match Play' last week, is also under the spotlight. Yee Ye-won is aiming to achieve a three-week consecutive victory, a feat accomplished by only three players: Park Se-ri (48) in 1996, Kim Mi-hyun (48) in 1997, and Seo Hee-kyung (39) in 2008.

Yee Ye-won has shown a terrifying pace at the beginning of the season, surpassing 700 million won in earnings in the shortest period of a season. She may also aim to break the first half highest earnings record of 1.132 billion won set by Park Min-ji (27, NH Investment & Securities) in the 2021 season and the first half highest victories record of six wins. Additionally, with a cumulative total of 3.972 billion won, she is only 27.377 million won away from breaking the 'fastest cumulative earnings of 4 billion won.'

Yee Ye-won stated, "It was a grateful experience to challenge for two consecutive victories, and I feel honored to have another opportunity to win again," and added, "I think it’s special to be able to challenge for a rare record of three consecutive wins."

She continued, "The Ferum Club is a challenging course, and it’s not easy to play here. Rather than playing aggressively, I plan to manage the course and focus on defensive play." She mentioned, "My target this season was four wins, and I want to achieve that as soon as possible. I will do my best to aim for victory in this tournament as well."

Many players ranked among the top of various title standings will also participate. Bang Sin-sil (21, KB Financial Group), who is third in the prize money standings and Wemade Points, aims for her second win of the season based on her experience of winning this tournament in the 2023 season. Go Ji-woo (23, Samchuly) and Kim Min-ju (23, Hanwha Qcells), who are currently ranked fourth and fifth in the two sectors, also throw their hats into the ring for this tournament. Park Hyun-kyung (25, Mediheal), ranked sixth in Wemade Points, and Park Ji-young (29, KOREIT), ranked ninth in the prize money standings, are also set to hunt for their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, the tournament organizers have prepared generous special prizes for the participating players. First, a 'Kojima New Era massage chair' worth 7.3 million won will be awarded to the player who records the first hole-in-one on the third hole, and an 'Karma Motion Bed' worth 15 million won will be given on the eighth hole. Notably, all players who record a hole-in-one at the eighth hole will receive prizes, in addition to the first record holder. A 'Staria Prestige LPG 3.5 vehicle' worth 38 million won is at stake on the 14th hole, and a 'Grandeur Premium LPi 3.5 vehicle' worth 39 million won will be awarded on the 16th hole.

Additionally, the winner will receive a 'Kojima Double Motion Oak massage chair' worth 3.8 million won. A prize of 3 million won will be awarded to the player who breaks the course record (8-under-par 64) set by Lee Min-young 2 (33) during the second round of the '2015 ISU Group KLPGA Championship.' Players who achieve daily best scores will receive 1 million won each, and those who do not qualify for the finals will receive a 500,000 won LS Networks gift certificate.

As the only charity tournament in the country, the organizers, E1 Corporation, encourage players to voluntarily donate their prize money, while E1 also contributes an amount equal to the players' donations, working towards social contribution. This year, players participating in the prize donation will receive an 'E1 Orange Heart Badge' to spread positive influence.

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