'Thai Golfer' Charuwan Phonsri, Emotional First KLPGA Win... Lee Yul-rin Finishes Second, Two Strokes Back [Yeoju On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

Thai golfer Charuwan Phonsri (27, Hanam Financial Group) enjoyed the joy of her debut victory on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour.

On the 24th, Phonsri shot a 2-under-par 70 with three birdies and one bogey in the final third round of the KLPGA Tour E1 Charity Open (total prize money 1 billion won) held at Perum Club (par 72) in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province.

Finishing with a total of 10-under-par 206, Phonsri claimed the title by two strokes over Lee Yul-rin (23, Doosan Construction), who recorded 8-under-par 208.

Phonsri joined the KLPGA in 2024, endured the pain of missing the cut in eight of her 17 tournaments last year—nearly half—and fell to 92nd in the money list, losing her seed. However, she climbed to 15th in the regular tour seed competition, regained her playing rights for the 2026 season, and entered the year with renewed momentum.

This season, she successfully made the cut in all five tournaments, building her momentum and securing a victory at this event. After the second round, Phonsri said, "I adapted well competing in the regular tour last year, and this year I'm competing in a much more comfortable state," adding, "It's been a valuable experience, so I want to enjoy this moment." In this tournament, she started in a tie for 10th after the first round, cutting three strokes, then surged to sole first place in the second round by birding five consecutive holes in the back nine.

On the day, she recorded a bogey on the 4th hole (par 4) with a three-putt, made an even-par on the 7th hole (par 4) with a 6.4-meter putt, and then showcased sharp putting on the 11th hole (par 4) and 12th hole (par 5), quickly cutting two strokes to pull two clear of second-place Lee Yul-rin.

On the 13th hole (par 4), her second shot landed in a bunker near the green, but she executed a perfect trajectory to clear the high hill and stop the ball just in front of the hole, saving her stroke.

Although she did not add another birdie, Lee Yul-rin also failed to reduce her score, allowing Phonsri to finally savor the thrill of her first victory. She also secured the winning prize of 180 million won.

Defending champion Park Hyun-kyung lost one stroke, finishing tied for 26th with a 1-under-par 215, while rookie leader in points Kim Min-sol lost three strokes, ending the tournament tied for 47th with a 3-over-par 219.

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*This content was translated by AI.