Shin Ji-Yai Rallies to Win Once Again

Choi Na Yeon (21, SK Telecom) was the leader going into the final round, but looked anxious. Perhaps it was because Shin Ji-Yai (19, Hi Mart), who is known for being good at turning the tables, was right behind her. Earlier this year, Shin won the Crown Cup and the SeoKyung Cup, coming from seven strokes and fours strokes behind, respectively.

Only two strokes ahead of Shin, Choi said, “The score doesn’t mean much at this point,” and Choi’s worries were realized when Shin overtook her for another win.

The win was Shin’s second consecutive event win since the SeoKyung Open, with a total score of 12-under 204 at the KLPGA MBC Tour BC Card Classics held at the 88 Country Club (par 72) in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province. During the final round on June 17, Shin scored a 5-under 67.

With all three of her season wins being comeback wins, Shin added 100 million won to her prize money total and beat the record for the quickest in KLGPA history to reach 600 million won in winnings. Shin’s new record is one year seven months 16 days, much shorter than Chung Il Mi’s previous record of six years four months and 17 days.

Shin, who had been on a roll the day before tying the KLPGA record for consecutive birdies (six), took the lead in the first half of the third round with three birdies, then made a six-meter birdie putt at the 17th hole (par 4) and a par shot at the 18th hole (par 5) for the victory. Woo Ji Yeon (Hi Mart) and Choi Na Yeon followed close behind.

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