"I don't want to make excuses about my age": Kim Hyo-ju, in fine form with her shots, aims for a late surge at the 'BMW Championship'

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Although her bid for a third consecutive title was thwarted, Kim Hyo-ju (31, Lotte) finished the tournament with a striking comeback in front of the numerous fans who had cheered for her.

On the 11th, at the Aramco Korea Championship (total prize money: 2 million dollars) on the Ladies European Tour (LET), held at New Korea CC (par 72) in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim Hyo-ju recorded a 6-under-par 66 in the final fourth round, combining seven birdies with one bogey.

Finishing with a total score of 13-under-par 275, Kim Hyo-ju climbed from 13th place the previous day to tie for seventh place as she concluded the tournament.

Kim Hyo-ju, who had won both of the previous two tournaments held at New Korea CC, attempted a historic first three-peat in this event but faltered, showing disappointment not only in her shots but particularly in her short putts.

Her iron shot accuracy was exceptional on this day. Displaying fierce momentum from the early stages of the round, Kim Hyo-ju birdied the 3rd hole (par 4) and 4th hole (par 3), followed by a birdie on the 9th hole (par 4) to complete the front nine.

In the back nine, Kim Hyo-ju was cruising well after securing four birdies, but ultimately lost one stroke when her ball found the bunker on the 18th hole (par 5).

Nevertheless, she could smile on the final day, as she had been able to completely shake off her previous struggles. Speaking with reporters after the round, Kim Hyo-ju said, "I finally felt like I was playing real golf today. I have made too many mistakes lately. I also made too many short putt errors today." She added, "It is disappointing, but the content of my play was so satisfying that it felt like I was playing golf for the first time in a very long while, and my mind is very light. My tee shots were just okay, but my iron shots created many birdie chances, making it completely different from the previous three days. I thought, 'Is this really me?' It ended with good feel, so I am very happy."

The regret over failing to secure a third consecutive win could not be erased. Kim Hyo-ju said, "It is certainly disappointing. Many people had asked me to show it, but I was unable to deliver in that regard." However, she added, "I have spoken many times about wanting to win one more time before the end of this season. It seems I will need to make my best effort so that I can show you that."

Throughout the tournament, numerous galleries followed Kim Hyo-ju around the course. Because of this, Kim Hyo-ju, who expresses a desire for better results in domestic tournaments, was able to feel considerably lighter-hearted.

Finishing the tournament with a light heart, she said with a smile, "It seems like fewer people came than I had expected. I want to express my disappointment." She continued, "I am truly grateful that you always come in large numbers, whether the weather is good or bad, and it gives me a lot of strength. Every time I see you, I joke around a lot and feel like we have become very close friends. Thanks to you, I always feel like I am playing golf."

Although many junior players have emerged now, senior player Shin Ji-ae (38) continues her active career, stating that she will do her best so that age does not become an excuse. Kim Hyo-ju said, "My senior is a player who puts in a lot of effort, and I think she works hard so that it doesn't become an excuse." She added, "She also knows that (her physical condition) is different. It is completely different. If you let your body rest for even a little while, it stiffens up quickly. It has been like that since last year and the year before. As my senior says, if that leads to poor results, it might become an excuse, but I don't want that, so I am exercising more diligently than before."

There are not many tournaments left until the end of the season. In particular, she expressed her desire for the BMW Ladies Championship, which will be held starting on the 22nd at Fine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. "Since I ended with a good feel today, I want to win the BMW tournament being held in Korea," she said. "I think all players will hope for (a victory) in the final tournament, so I will aim for my second win and give it a try," she stated her resolve.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original