'Nine runner-up finishes in nine years': How a 'stable coach' transformed Choi Ye-rim, and Bae So-hyun's tears... a turning point in her career

*This content was translated by AI.

Despite finishing as runner-up nine times, she lacked confidence in herself. Once those around her showed unwavering belief, Choi Ye-rim (27, Hyumons) finally changed. In the end, she was able to shed the bitterness of nine years without a title.

On the 6th, Choi Ye-rim secured the victory at the final third round of the KLPGA Tour OK Savings Bank Outman Open (total prize money 1 billion won) held at Adonis Country Club (par 72) in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, finishing with a total score of 10-under-par 206, one stroke ahead of Lim Hee-jeong (Doosan Construction We've).

Debuting on the KLPGA Tour in 2018, she finally reached the top after nine seasons and her 239th tournament. The victory holds special meaning as it came after nine runner-up finishes.

Choi Ye-rim, who has been active on the KLPGA Tour since 2018, attracted high expectations by finishing as runner-up in her first season and consistently maintained a position near the top thereafter.

The problem was winning. Although she had nine opportunities to push the competition into extra rounds through her own strength, the victory repeatedly went to her competitors. In 2024 alone, she faced setbacks at the final stage three times, including back-to-back runner-up finishes for two consecutive weeks.

Choi Ye-rim said, "I felt embarrassed many times. Sometimes my rhythm sped up; other times it slowed down. I often thought I couldn't maintain my tempo." She added, "After finishing as runner-up and going home, I always had trouble sleeping. I was consumed by thoughts of 'Why did I do that on this hole?' and blamed myself for several days."

Even though she entered the final round with a three-stroke lead, she lacked self-confidence. After the second round, she said, "I kept telling myself, 'I am already a champion,' to calm my mind and play," and approached the third round with this self-suggestion. On that day as well, she played without consciously checking the leaderboard.

Of course, there were technical changes too. Choi Ye-rim stated, "My iron shots and driver accuracy are the same as before. The only difference from last year is my putting." She continued, "I hadn't received putting lessons until now, but after starting them, my chances of making birdies or saving pars improved significantly. I used to feel very anxious when putting, but this season I have gained much more confidence."

Her putting also improved with greater confidence thanks to the coach's firm belief. That belief became a turning point in Choi Ye-rim's career.

While her putting noticeably improved this season, she had to settle for second place at the Macallé·Mona Yongpyong Open last June and finished tied for third twice afterward. A major change occurred for Choi Ye-rim two weeks ago: she began receiving guidance from pro coach Lee Si-woo. The most significant change was not technical but a shift in mindset.

Choi Ye-rim said, "Coach Lee Si-woo made me feel much more at ease. He always tells me I'm doing well. He said, 'You were already good; you just need a little improvement.' If I am an anxious type, he is a stable type, and his comment that 'you're doing so well, just refine it a bit' was very helpful."

Bae So-hyun (33, Mediheal), who experienced similar pain, became her most steadfast supporter and even shed tears at the moment of Choi Ye-rim's victory. "We share the same trainer, so we often talk. Whenever I finished as runner-up, he stayed behind to offer encouragement," Bae said. Bae also has experience of winning after 154 attempts since joining in 2011, finally achieving a title in 2024.

Choi Ye-rim expressed gratitude, saying, "I think she wanted to encourage me because she waited so long for her own victory." She added, "After joining Coach Lee Si-woo's team, we found many common points and communicated well, which brought us closer. Since then, I have received even more encouragement."

Hyumons Group, Choi Ye-rim's sponsor, is also a major supporter. Choi said, "I played with Yoon Seong-tae (Chairman) recently several times and met him at this tournament as well. He told me, 'You're doing so well,' and added, 'Don't feel too much pressure; just play comfortably. You can definitely do it. It seems you'll win soon, so keep working hard.' I am grateful for his words."

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*This content was translated by AI.