Players Struggle with Rain-Soaked Greens

Korean internationals Han Hee-won (FILA Korea) and Park Ji-eun (Nike Golf) struggled on the first day of the 17th Astra Cup Korea Women`s Open opened at Asiade CC in Busan on Sept. 4. The greens were slow and difficult to putt.

Han, having pulled out two U.S. LPGA victories this season, and Park, ranked third in prize-winning earnings, were all set to play well before the home crowd, but the rain-soaked greens did not provide for a good game.

It was Han’s first home appearance in two years. She tied for 23rd with a 2-over after making 4 birdies and 6 bogies. Having arrived in Korea only two days ahead of the tournament, she was not able to play through the course as the Pro-Am event yesterday was called off due to heavy rains. The greens were not cut after the rains, slowing down their speed.

Han and Park, playing in the same group, made three putts twice respectively and missed birdie putts repeatedly. Han played well from the 8th through 11th holes with a series of birdies, but made bogies on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes.

Park made her first birdie on the 5th with a long shot, but was soon caught in a series of bogies on the 6th and 7th holes. She also made bogies on the 12th and 17th holes.

Han said after the first day, ˝I had to play without knowing the first 9 holes.˝ Park was also disappointed, saying, ˝I felt good, with six to seven shots narrowly missing the pins.˝

Of the 108 players in the tournament, only five recorded an under-par, and Asiade CC said that it would cut the greens to boost speeds. 17-year-old sensation Song Aree, who passed the first round of the U.S. qualifying school, recorded a 2-over par in her home debut. ˝I was a little nervous, but excited at the same time. I’d like to thank all the who supported me,˝ Song said.

Little-known Mun Ji-young (MU Sports) topped the first round with a 3-under after 5 birdies and 2 bogies. A second place finish at the Hansol Ladies Championship was the best performance for Mun, who got married to professional golfer Lee Jun-young in June last year. She became a professional in 2000.

Meanwhile, Gang Su-yeon (Astra), two-time Astra champion in 2000 and 2001, finished with a 1-over par and in 14th place, while Lee Mi-na, who aims for the top rank in prize earnings for the second consecutive year, finished with a 6-over par. Jun Mi-jeong (Tailor Made) came in at 2nd with a 2-under.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com