Jaehee Kim booked her first KLPGA win as a ‘23rd birthday present’

Kim Jae-hee (22) predicted her first win on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour as a present for her 23rd birthday.

Jaehee Kim recorded 6 birdies and 2 bogeys in the second round of the KLPGA Tour Hana Financial Group Singapore Women's Open (total prize money of 1.1 million Singapore dollars) held at the Tampines Course (par 72) at Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore on the 8th.

On this day, due to the game being suspended due to bad weather, 54 players were unable to complete the second round, and Kim Jae-hee took the lead with an interim total of 10 under par and 134 strokes.They are 2 strokes behind the 2nd place group.

Jaehee Kim, born on March 10, 2001, can receive her first win on the KLPGA Tour as a 23rd birthday present if she maintains the lead until the fourth round on the 10th.

It is a much-anticipated birthday present for Kim Jae-hee, who unfortunately missed the opportunity to win last season.

Jaehee Kim attracted attention as a super rookie in the 2021 season, but had to be satisfied with four top 10 finishes, including one runner-up finish, in 56 competitions over the first two years.

The rebound began in the second half of last year.

Kim Jae-hee, who finished second at the Daebo House D Open in October last year, ranked 6th at the Hite Jinro Championship a week later and entered the top 10 for two consecutive weeks.

However, Seungwoon did not follow.

Jaehee Kim took the lead in the first half of the final 4 rounds of the S-Oil Championship in November, but unfortunately suffered a bitter defeat as heavy rain on the day forced the winner to be determined based on the performance in rounds 1 to 3.

However, Jaehee Kim, whom I met after the game, seemed to have shaken off her regrets and was full of confidence.

Kim Jae-hee, who said, "I was very disappointed last year," confidently said, "As I continued to hit the ball during training camp, I felt the same as last year. I thought that if I continued like this, I would have many chances to win."

He said calmly, "I think this is the first time I've finished (a round) in the lead in the first part of the tour, but I've always pictured it in my mind, so I don't feel anything special."

Kim Jae-hee explained, "Until the year before last, I had a lot of anxiety, but after changing my professional last year, I became more confident in my shots, and the thought that 'I think I will win' was always in my head. I even think it's just natural."

Hwang Yu-min

Tied for second place included Hwang Yu-min, Patty Tawatanakat (Thailand), Jeon Ye-seong, and amateur Oh Su-min (8 under par, 136 strokes).

Bang Shin-sil, who was the leader in the first round, also finished the second day in a tie for second place with 4 birdies and 3 bogeys during 10 holes.

Hwang Yu-min, who had performed poorly in the first round with 1 over par, raised his ranking by 59 places with 1 bogey and 10 birdies on this day.

Hwang Yu-min said, "I had a hard time with a cold, but thanks to managing it well, my physical condition improved. My tee shot was a little disappointing, but my iron, wedge, and putt feel were good, so I recorded a birdie every time I went to the fairway."

Oh Soo-min, an amateur born in 2008, made only 4 birdies that day and made no bogeys for two consecutive days.

Oh Soo-min said, "I'm so nervous that I can't think about anything else. All I can think about is doing my best in the remaining games. I've made the top 10, so my goal is to be in the top 5."

Tawatanakit is aiming for another win in this competition, which will be his fourth consecutive week.

Tawatanakit reached the top at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International of the Women's European Golf (LET) last month and the Honda Thailand Tour of the LPGA Tour, and finished tied for 8th place at the HSBC Women's World Championship last week. 고스톱