The Korea Golf Association (KGA, President Kang Hyung-mo) will host the 39th Korea Women's Open Golf Championship, sponsored by DB Group, from the 12th to the 15th for four days at the RAINBOW Hills Country Club's South-East Course in Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk (par 72, initial setting 6189m).
The total prize money for this tournament is 1.2 billion won, the same as last year. The winner's prize remains the highest for domestic women's professional golf tournaments at 300 million won. A total of 132 players will participate.
The player seeking to defend the title is Noh Seung-hee. Noh Seung-hee lifted the trophy last year after leading wire-to-wire (first place in all rounds).
If Noh Seung-hee successfully defends her title, she will be alongside Ko Woo-soon (1998–1999 winner), Kim Mi-hyun (1995–1996 winner), Kang Soo-yeon (2000–2001), and Song Bo-bae (2003–2004 winner).
Noh Seung-hee said, "As the Korea Women's Open approaches, I naturally recall the moment of victory. My first win was at this national title and a major tournament. It was the most shining moment of my golf life. I am excited and thrilled to take on the new challenge of defending my title." She added, "The Korea Women's Open is an honorable tournament that everyone wants to win. I want to be a player worthy of being a champion, with the appropriate skills and character. I will work hard to lift the trophy once again."
Including Noh Seung-hee, six past champions (Kim Ji-hyun, Park Min-ji, Lee Da-young, Im Hee-jung, Hong Ji-won, etc.) will challenge for their second win.
Park Min-ji said, "It’s a place with good memories, and it’s one of my favorite golf courses, so I’m excited. Since the course setup is challenging, I don't think I can relax, which will make it an interesting week. I want to feel the glory of victory once again." She added, "The Korea Women's Open feels like going home. I participated in the Korea Women's Open during my national team days. I have many memories of laughing and crying as a national representative, which feels comforting."
Out of the 132 participating players, 11 are amateurs. Six members of the KGA national team (Park Seo-jin070917, Seong Ah-jin, Oh Su-min, Jeong Min-seo, Choi Jeong-won, Hong Su-min) and four reserve players (Gil Ye-ram, Kim Yeon-seo, Park Seo-jin080411, Yang Yun-seo) will participate. The remaining player is an amateur from Thailand.
Oh Su-min, ranked first in the KGA women's division (as of June 10), said, "I am happy and excited to participate in the Korea Women's Open. This is my third participation. I've faced the disappointment of missing the cut each time. This time, I want to make it through."
Among foreign players, Jaratwi Bunjan (Thailand) stands out. She is in a relationship with Saedom Kaewkanjana (Thailand), who won the Kolon 67th Korea Open Golf Championship last month. If Bunjan wins the Korea Women's Open, both Thai players will have secured all national titles in Korea.
The results after the second round will determine which players advance to the third round and final fourth round, up to a tie for 60th place.
Hole-in-one prizes are available for hole 3 (Kojima massage chair), hole 6 (Duxiana bed), hole 11 (Bang & Olufsen BEOLAB), and hole 17 (BMW 5 Series car).
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