Park Min-ji’s comeback after a month: “The intense situation is actually a source of strength”

After a month off, she’s back on the domestic scene and back in the thick of things.

Park Min-ji, the 2021-2022 season’s KLPGA (Korean Ladies Professional Golf) Tour money winner and wins leader, has two wins this year. However, unlike the previous two seasons, where she dominated, this year she is facing fierce competition from Lim Jin-hee and Park Ji-young (who also have two wins).

Park shot an even-par 72 in the first round of the inaugural Doosan E&C We’ve Championship at Teddy Valley Golf & Resort (Par 72-6735 yards) in Seogwipo, Jeju, on Nov. 11. After starting on the 10th (par-4), Park made bogey on the 11th (par-4) when her putt from less than a meter went around the hole cup. On the 14th (par-3), her tee shot left the green and she missed a 4-meter par putt. But back-to-back birdies at the first (par-4) and second (par-4) lifted her spirits, as did a birdie at the seventh (par-3). A missed tee shot on the ninth (par-4) cost her a stroke.

“I’m glad I didn’t go over par on a bad day,” Park said after the match, adding, “In the first half, I didn’t make any putts that looked like they were going in. I waited patiently and capitalized on my chances.”

Despite the fierce competition, Park was relaxed. She said, “The fierce competition gives me strength. I want to accept it as better because I won’t be lazy,” she said.

As for the Amundi Evian Championship, which she competed in for the second consecutive year, she said, “I will only remember the last day. I’ll only remember the final round, which was perfect,” Park smiled, “I’m in a position where I have to come to the tournament with the intention of winning. That’s what keeps me motivated. I’m outside the top 40 today, and I’m going to try to cut one more stroke over the next two days. I’m determined to make it three wins through this tournament.” 꽁머니