* Translated by AI

Starnews

"I was happy to win in front of my grandmother in her 80s," Kim Min-seon said with reddened eyes... clinching the Hana Financial Championship for her third career victory.

Published:

박건도

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-seon kisses the championship trophy. /Photo=KLPGA
Kim Min-seon kisses the championship trophy. /Photo=KLPGA

Kim Min-seon (23, Daebang Construction) claimed the Hana Financial Group Championship title, securing her second win of the season and third overall in her career.

On the 20th, Kim shot a 4-under-par 68 with five birdies and one bogey during the final round of the KLPGA Tour's Hana Financial Group Championship (total prize money: 1.5 billion won) held at The Heaven Country Club West & South Course (par 72) in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Finishing with a total score of 12-under-par 276, Kim overtook second-place Jang Eun-soo (8-under-par 280) by four strokes to claim the championship prize of 270 million won.

According to the KLPGA, during her post-victory press conference, Kim said, "I thought it would be a difficult course, so I'm happy and honored to win with such a good score." She added, "Although I started as the sole leader, I knew mistakes were inevitable during the tournament. Accepting those errors and immediately focusing on the next shot helped me maintain my composure and stay true to my game."

When asked when she felt certain of victory, Kim pointed to the 14th hole: "After sinking the par putt there, I first thought, 'Maybe I can win this.'"

Kim Min-seon (right) receives a water shower after her victory. /Photo=KLPGA
Kim Min-seon (right) receives a water shower after her victory. /Photo=KLPGA

The driving force behind this win was intensive putting practice. Before the second half of the season began, Kim participated in the AIG Women's Open, one of the LPGA Tour's major championships, but struggled with physical fatigue and missed the top ten. She explained, "After my first overseas tournament, my stamina didn't recover as quickly as I had hoped. Due to physical strain, I spent more time on putting practice than shot practice, and that investment paid off by creating crucial birdie opportunities in this tournament."

Her experience competing abroad became a turning point that broadened her perspective. Kim stated, "I realized golf isn't just about hitting good shots. Watching Lee Mi-hyang's putting during that tournament taught me a lot." She added, "I naturally enjoy new challenges, so if given the chance, I'd like to compete on international stages as well."

In a post-victory broadcast interview, Kim also expressed deep affection for her grandmother, whose presence moved her to tears. Kim said, "I lived with my grandparents when I was young and received immense care from them; they are precious to me after my parents." She continued with a smile, "My 80-year-old grandmother visited the tournament venue after such a long time, and being able to win in front of her made it an incredibly special and happy moment for me."

Having achieved her first multi-win season in a single year, Kim has raised her goals for the remainder of the season. She declared, "Rather than chasing personal titles, I want to build my own career peak. With five tournaments remaining, I aim to add another victory and consistently appear at the top of the leaderboard."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.

Recommended News

Editor’s Pick

Latest in Sports