Min Ranks 3rd in First Major Tournament

“I really wanted to dedicate my victory to my dad …”

Despite tears of frustration, LPGA rookie Min Na-on (Yoichi Golf) performance in the McDonald`s LPGA Championship was quite impressive.

Even though the 18-year-old rookie didn’t even hold a full card for the LPGA Tour, she made a successful debut in the McDonald`s LPGA Championship.

On June 10, Min Na-on proudly ranked third at the LPGA Championship, her first ever major tournament, at Bulle Rock Golf Course (par 72) in Havre De Grace, Maryland.

Min, the sole leader on the previous day, had a close game with three bogeys on holes 6-8. On holes 13-16, however, she succeeded in making four consecutive birdies, only one stroke behind leader Suzann Pettersen of Norway. On the par-3 17th hole, Min missed a 3m birdie putt contrary to Pettersen’s successful 5m birdie putt. In the end, Min finished two shots behind the Norwegian leader at 12-under 276 and Karrie Webb (13 under, Australia)placed second by making a birdie on the 18th hold.

By achieving the highest score among Korean players this day, Min received $129,880, surpassing her total prize money for the five tournaments this season.

With the triumph at the McDonald Championship, Suzann Pettersen won her first major this season after claiming the Michelob Ultra Open last month. Pak Se-ri (CJ), who will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, finished in a tie for 33rd place with a score of 1 under-87.

kjs0123@donga.com