Shin Da-in has made history by successfully defending her title at the KG Ladies Open, part of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, which has a total prize pool of 1 billion won.
On August 30, at the Suning Point Country Club in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Shin shot a final round of 8-under 64, with nine birdies and one bogey.
With a total score of 17-under 271, she finished three strokes ahead of second-place Park Hye-jun, who recorded a total of 14-under 274. Shin received a winner's prize of 180 million won and a KGM Action Hybrid vehicle valued at 38 million won.
Since its inception in 2011, this marks the first time a player has won the KG Ladies Open in consecutive years. Last year, Shin celebrated her first victory on the regular tour at this same event, marking her second career win.
Starting the final round tied for the lead, Shin showcased her sharp shooting skills from the beginning. She made her first birdie on the par-5 third hole and followed it with five consecutive birdies up to the par-4 seventh hole, quickly taking the solo lead.
However, she faced a challenge on the ninth hole, where her tee shot went left, resulting in a penalty. She made a bogey on that hole, allowing the second-place group to close within one stroke. Nevertheless, she regained her momentum with a 4-meter birdie putt on the par-4 tenth hole and added another birdie on the par-4 eleventh hole, extending her lead. Shin maintained her advantage, securing additional birdies on the par-4 fifteenth and seventeenth holes to seal her victory.
In a post-victory interview, Shin expressed, "I felt nervous when I stepped onto the course, but I was able to overcome it thanks to the support of the fans. I want to be remembered as a player who can win anytime, not just once."
Jang Eun-soo and Choi Ye-rim finished tied for third with a total score of 13-under 275.
Seo Kyo-rim, who aimed for her fifth win of the season, ended up tied for fifth with a total score of 12-under 276 alongside Yoo Ah-hyun and Choi Eun-woo.
Bang Shin-sil and Ahn Jae-hee concluded the tournament tied for eighth with a total score of 11-under 277.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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