'Media Pro → Surprise Return → First Title in 21 Years' The Background Is "Every Moment Is Precious and Happy"

*This content was translated by AI.

Background, who made her professional debut at age 15 and became the 'youngest major queen' in history, has returned to the top of the sport after an incredible 21 years. This hard-earned achievement came after she returned to the course and relentlessly pursued new challenges.

On the 16th, Background shot a final-round 4-under-par 68 at the OCEAN (OUT) and BEACH (IN) courses of Ocean Beach Golf & Resort in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do (par 72/5,962 yards), during the third event of the 'KLPGA 2026 East One · Ocean Beach Champions Tour' (total prize money: 70 million won; first-place prize: 15 million won).

With a total score of 9-under-par 135 (67-68), Background finished one stroke ahead of Lee Sil-bia (41, 8-under-par 136) to claim her first-ever Champions Tour trophy.

Immediately after winning, Background said, "It's been so long since my last victory that I feel a bit dazed, but I am truly happy." She added, "Although my putting didn't go well in the early stages, I was able to win because I stayed focused and endured patiently. Winning during this period when I've rediscovered my love for golf makes it even more special."

Background's golf career reads like a drama. In 2001, at just 16 years old, she made a dazzling debut by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the 'Shinsegae Cup 23rd KLPGA Championship,' one of the league's major tournaments. After accumulating three regular tour victories and establishing herself as a top-tier golfer, she temporarily left the course following the 2014 season.

After stepping away from competition, Background thrived as a 'media pro,' working as a golf course commentator and hosting golf lesson programs, connecting with fans across the country. Yet her competitive fire never faded. In late 2020, she surprised everyone by returning to professional play, participating in the 'KLPGA 2021 Regular Tour Seed Ranking Tournament' and securing an impressive 31st place — a stunning comeback to the regular tour. Competing confidently alongside younger players, she drew widespread attention. Since last year, she has continued her journey on the Champions Tour, finally completing this human triumph drama by lifting the championship trophy after 21 years.

Background smiled as she said, "There is still so much to learn in golf; every day brings something new." She added, "Every moment of the Champions Tour, where I can fully enjoy my own style of golf, is truly precious and happy."

With this victory, Background added 15 million won to her career earnings, bringing her total to 11,605,000 won. Her prize money ranking jumped 44 spots from 50th to 6th place. Having opened the door with her first win, Background now looks toward even greater heights. She declared, "Having achieved my first victory, I aim to add two more wins this season and challenge for the Champions Tour's first-ever prize money title."

Meanwhile, Lee Sil-bia finished alone in second place with a total score of 8-under-par 136. Yoo Jae-hee (52) placed third with 7-under-par 137, and Lee Jeong-eun 3 (41) took fourth with 5-under-par 139. Hong Jin-ju (43), the winner of the previous event, 'Champions Classic 2nd Round,' finished tied for fifth alongside Lee Jeong-yeon (47) with a total score of 4-under-par 140. Hong maintained her position as the leader in prize money rankings with cumulative earnings of 23,291,667 won.

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*This content was translated by AI.