Korean golfers are set to reclaim the US Women's Open title, the most prestigious major in women's golf, after a six-year gap.
The 81st US Women's Open will take place from June 5 to 8 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Known for its long history, the tournament boasts a total prize purse of $12 million, with the winner receiving $2.4 million, making it one of the highest-paying events in women's golf.
The Riviera Country Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will host the US Women's Open for the first time since 1964. The event also serves as a precursor to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, as the venue will be used for the Olympic golf competition.
Out of 156 participants, 23 are from South Korea, making it the second-largest contingent after the host country, the United States, which has 40 players.
The US Women's Open has been a successful tournament for Korean players. Since Se-ri Pak won the title in 1998 with her famous barefoot performance, Korean golfers have consistently excelled. Notable champions include Inbee Park, who has won twice, as well as Kim Ji-yoon, Lee Jeong-eun, Choi Na-yeon, Jeon In-ji, Park Sung-hyun, Kim A-rim (2020), and others, totaling 11 victories by 10 different players.
However, the last victory came in 2020, when Kim A-rim won. In the 2024 tournament, all Korean participants failed to finish in the top 10 for the first time in 27 years, marking a disappointing moment for the nation.
This season, the atmosphere is different. Korean players have combined for three wins and 33 top-10 finishes across 13 tournaments, showcasing their strong performance.
The player to watch is world No. 3 Kim Hyo-joo, who is experiencing a 'second prime' in her career. She secured back-to-back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship. Although she withdrew from the LA Championship in April due to neck pain, she regained her form with a sixth-place finish at the Chevron Championship, the first major of the season.
On May 10, Kim Hyo-joo won the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, marking her first domestic victory in four years and seven months, bringing her total KLPGA wins to 15. She has since taken a month off to prepare for the upcoming tournament.
If Kim Hyo-joo wins this tournament, it will be her second major title, following her victory at the Evian Championship in 2014 as a non-member. Additionally, she would become the sixth Korean player to achieve double-digit LPGA Tour wins, joining the ranks of Se-ri Pak (25 wins), Inbee Park (21 wins), Ko Jin-young (15 wins), Kim Sei-young (13 wins), and Shin Ji-ae (11 wins).
Consistent performer Yang Hee-young will make her 20th consecutive appearance at the US Women's Open. Shin Ji-ae, who is currently competing on the Japan LPGA Tour, aims for her 13th LPGA win, her first since February 2013. Other past champions, including Jeon In-ji, Park Sung-hyun, Kim A-rim, and Lee Jeong-eun, will also compete, alongside top players like Ko Jin-young, Kim Sei-young, Yoo Hae-ran, Choi Hye-jin, Hwang Yu-min, and Yoon In-na.
Players from the KLPGA Tour and promising amateurs are eager to create their own 'Cinderella stories.' In the past, players like Yoo So-yeon (2011), Jeon In-ji (2015), and Kim A-rim (2020) have won as non-members, earning direct entry to the LPGA. This year, five players, including KLPGA Tour money leader Kim Min-sol, as well as Hong Jeong-min, Yoo Hyun-jo, Lee Da-yeon, and Ko Ji-won, have secured spots by ranking within the top 75 in the world. National team member Oh Soo-min and amateur Lee Seung-hyun, who qualified through Canadian regional qualifiers, will also participate in the US Women's Open.
Top-ranked players are also in strong form. World No. 1 Nelly Korda is aiming for her second consecutive major title after winning the Chevron Championship. World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul and Karis Davidson, who secured her spot by winning the ShopRite Classic, are also among the competitors. Defending champion Maya Stark from Sweden is looking to repeat her victory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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