Posted September. 02, 2003 23:23,
Home vs. international. The 17th Astra Cup Korea Women`s Open set to kick off in Asiade Country Club in Busan on Sept. 4 will mark highlight of women`s pro golf tournaments at home this year. At stake is 200 million won cash prize.
Three Korean internationals presently playing in the U.S. LPGA Tour, Han Hee-won (FILA Korea), Park Ji-eun (Nike Golf) and Gang Su-yeon (Astra), will compete for the title. The strong candidates entered the country on Sept. 2.
Han Hee-won, who has won two titles so far this year, is set to become a champion at home again in two years. Park Ji-eun, ranked third in prize, is also set to grab a home title for the first time. Gang Su-yeon, who was the winner of the Korea Women`s Open in 2001, also hopes to stage a strong comeback.
Missing on the scene is last year`s champion Jung Il-mi. Home team seems all determined, too. Lee Min-na, who won three titles of winning records, cash prize and new player of the year last year, is at the forefront, backed by Jun Mi-jung and Kim Ju-mi, who won a title respectively this year.
To Kim Ju-mi, the gold medallist from the Busan Asiade last year, Asiade CC is like a home course.
17-year-old `super rookie` Song Aree, who recently passed the first round of the U.S. LPGA qualifying school, will make her pro debut in the tournament.
Cheil Fabric, sponsor of the tournament, will offer a variety of prizes such as Samsung passenger vehicle to the crowd. SBS golf channel will air the three rounds of the tournament at 2:00 p.m. everyday during the tournament.