Korea’s 10th LPGA Win Proving Elusive

Korean Golfers playing in LPGA are now in a similar situation that Baseball player Song Jin-woo is facing. Looking like they are enchanted by the magical number nine, they cannot get that elusive 10th win.

Song Jin-Woo has fallen short in his bid to reach 200 wins in professional baseball in his last four tries.

Korean Women Golfers also failed to win a championship in four events since Kim Mi-hyun won on July 17, the ninth win for Korean golfers this season. For this reason, the players’ will to win a victory in 2006 Wendy’s Championship, which takes place at Tartan Fields Golf Club (par 72) in Dublin, Ohio on August 24 is stronger than ever.

In Tartan Fields, Kim Mi-hyun and Han Hee-won won championships in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, Han Hee-won pulled off a victory in the semifinals in an extended game, and Jang Jeong fought well against the winner Cristie Kerr, ranked fourth last year. So this field has a history with Korean golfers.

Kim Mi-hyun and Jang Jung, who are well aware of the field, are considered as potential winners. A rising player, Lee Ji-young, who has secured fifth place in two straight events is also garnering growing expectations.

Han Hee-won and Lee Mi-na are not attending this game due to their participation in the Lakehills Classic, which takes place at Jeju Island. Karrie Webb and Lorena Ochoa who are ranked 1st and 2nd in terms of the prize money are the biggest rivals to the Korean competitors.

kjs0123@donga.com