Yang Hee-young Shoots 'Second-Winning' LPGA Opening Game... "Official debut." Hwang Yoomin tied for 5th place [LPGA]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yang Hee-young (37, Kiwoom Securities) ranked second in the opening game of the 2026 LPGA Tour. Hwang Yoo-min (23, Lotte), who made his official debut, also announced a successful start.

Yang Hee-young failed to reduce the number of pars in the remaining two holes in the final three rounds of the LPGA Tour Hilton Grand Vacations Champions Tournament (total prize money of $2.1 million) at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club (par 72, 6,624 yards) in Orlando, Florida on the 2nd (Korea time).

As a result, Yang Hee-young, who recorded a total of 10-under 206 strokes, finished second, three strokes behind Nelly Koda (USA, 13 under par).

Yang Hee-young, who challenged for the top spot after winning the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in June 2024, succeeded in a satisfactory start to the season, although the victory was not enough.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be held with 72 holes in the fourth round. However, it was suspended the previous day due to strong winds and cold weather. On the day when the final fourth round was scheduled, the departure was delayed due to cold weather that fell below zero. In the end, it was reduced to a 54-hole competition in the third round and eventually had to be satisfied with the runner-up.

After the game, Yang Hee-young said, "If the final round had been played, it could have been another opportunity, but at that time, the temperature was very low and the green was frozen, making it difficult to play normally." "I came out to the course from 10 a.m. to warm up, but considering the green condition, it was practically difficult to finish the game in a limited time." "Considering that it was difficult to fully utilize the daytime due to the late tee time, the decision not to proceed with the fourth round is fully understandable," he said.

There were also satisfactory results. "It's a shame we couldn't play the fourth round, but the game was good until the third round. "Through this tournament, I proved myself that I prepared well for the offseason," he said, expressing satisfaction, "I clearly know what to supplement before the full-fledged season begins."

There was not enough opportunity to chase the lead. Yang Hee-young said, "I was aware of the fact that I had to reduce three hits in two holes," adding, "I just tried to do my best in the given situation. "I'm glad I didn't lose my pars in the situation where the green is frozen," he said.

Hwang Yoo-min, who officially made her LPGA Tour debut last year by winning as an invited player, finished tied for fifth with a 5-under 211 total. Hwang Yoo-min, who tied for third place the previous day, lost three shots in the remaining two holes, especially in the 17th hole (par 3), so his ranking went down.

Last year's winner, Kim A-rim (31, Mediheel), recorded a 3-under 213 and succeeded in entering the top 10 by tying for 9th with Lee So-mi (27, Shinhan Financial Group) and Yoo Hae-ran (25, Daol Financial Group).

Nelly Korda of the U.S. did not make it to the field on the day, but reached the top. Koda, who played all three rounds the previous day and cut six shots, won the championship as the competition was shortened.

As a result, Koda won the title for the first time in a year and three months since Diannica Driven by Gain Bridge at Pelican in November 2024, accumulating a total of 16 wins on the LPGA Tour.

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*This content was translated by AI.