Yoo Hyunjo, Last Year's Player of the Year, Becomes Inaugural Champion at New Tournament

Wins DB Women's Championship by One Stroke
Claims First Victory of the Year in Sixth Event, Third Career Win
Lee Dayeon, Kim Minsol, and Ko Jiwon Tied for Second Place

Yoo Hyunjo has become the inaugural champion at the newly established tournament on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour.

On May 3, at Rainbow Hills Country Club (par 72, 6,682 yards) in Eumseong-gun, North Chungcheong Province, she played the final round of the DB Women's Championship, which had a total prize purse of KRW 1.2 billion. Yoo recorded two birdies and two bogeys for an even-par 72. With a final total of 7-under-par 281, Yoo Hyunjo edged out Lee Dayeon, Kim Minsol, and Ko Jiwon (all at 6-under-par 282) by one stroke to claim victory. The winner's prize is KRW 216 million.

Yoo Hyunjo was named the KLPGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2024, and last year she finished in the top 10 a remarkable 19 times, securing both the Player of the Year and Lowest Scoring Average awards. Including her victories at the KB Financial Star Championship in 2024 and last year, her career KLPGA Tour wins have now reached three. Although she had a slow start to this season, she finished tied for third at last week's Deoksin EPC Championship, earning her first top 10 of the year. In just her sixth event of the season, she lifted the trophy.

Yoo Hyun-jo is smiling while holding the trophy immediately after winning the DB Women's Championship. Photo by Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association

Starting the day in second place, one stroke behind the leader, Yoo reduced her score by one shot on the front nine, overtaking Ko Jiwon, who dropped shots, to move into the lead. On the 11th hole (par 3), she sank a 3.5-meter birdie putt to go two shots ahead, but consecutive bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes (both par 4) allowed Lee Dayeon and Ko Jiwon to catch up, resulting in a tight contest for the lead.

However, after Ko Jiwon and Lee Dayeon both dropped shots down the stretch, Yoo reclaimed the lead and held par over the final three holes to secure the win. Yoo Hyunjo said, "I'm truly happy to be the first champion. The early part of the season was a bit tough, but this victory feels like a reward, and I am very happy." She added, "With today's win, I believe I can achieve multiple victories. This year, I plan to enjoy my game just like I did in this tournament."

Ko Jiwon, who had led for three days, lost two strokes on the final day and had to settle for the runner-up spot. 'Mom golfer' Park Jooyoung fired a daily-best 5-under-par 67 to finish tied for fifth (5-under-par 283) alongside Kim Suji and Han Jinseon. Patcharajutan Kongkraphan (Thailand) and Lee Seungyeon tied for eighth (3-under-par 285), while Park Hyejun finished 10th (2-under-par 286).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.