Domestic Players Aim to Defend Home Turf vs. International Stars Target Trophy Collection

Showdown at the Hana Financial Group Championship on the KLPGA Tour

Kim Min-sol, Suh Kyol-lim, Da-Yeon Lee, and Bang Sin-sil to Compete

Korean Diaspora Stars Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko, Along with the Iwai Sisters, Join the Field

Domestic players will defend their home turf.

Players on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour will compete for the title at the Hana Financial Group Championship, which will be held from September 17 for four days at The Heaven Country Club West and South courses (par 72, 6,819 yards) in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do. This tournament features a large number of players from the LPGA Tour, promising fierce competition for the trophy.

Dayeon Lee will challenge for a consecutive second victory at the Hana Financial Group Championship. Provided by KLPGA

Defending champion Dayeon Lee is aiming for a consecutive second victory. Earlier this year, she won her 10th career trophy at the Aurora World Championship in August. Dayeon Lee captured the Hana Financial Group Championship in playoff victories in both 2025 and 2023. She said, "I'm honored to challenge for a third win at the same tournament. I want to prepare my strong iron shots and deliver a great performance."

Seokyorim, who has won four times this season, and Minsol Kim, who has three wins this year, are also determined to showcase the strength of the domestic field. Seokyorim currently leads the money list (1,381,766,000 won) and the Player of the Year points standings (563 points). She also has good memories of winning the Inka Financial The Heaven Masters at the same course in June. 'Super Rookie' Minsol Kim is close on her heels, ranking second in both earnings (1,375,029,428 won) and points (436 points).

Seokyorim said, "Since I know the characteristics of this course, I plan to play safely rather than aggressively. Although my wrist isn't in perfect condition, it won't significantly affect my play."

Australian-Korean Minjee Lee (world ranking 15) and New Zealand-Korean Lydia Ko (world ranking 12), both active on the LPGA Tour and sponsored by Hana Financial Group, will also be in the field. Notably, Minjee Lee has finished runner-up in playoff battles at this event in 2025, 2023, and 2021.

The Japanese twin sisters Aki Iwai (world ranking 23) and Chichi Iwai (world ranking 39), both prominent figures in Japanese women's golf, have also been listed among the participants. Chichi Iwai won her first LPGA Tour title at the Riviera Maya Open in May 2025, and three months later Aki Iwai claimed victory at the Standard Portland Classic, drawing attention. Former world No. 1 Tseng Yani of Taiwan is also making a long-awaited return to Korea.

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