Lee Ye-won vs Park Min-ji vs Yoo Hyun-jo... 'First Champion' Battle Unfolds in Wonju, Gangwon

[Financial News] The 'Aurora World Ladies Championship' (total prize money 1 billion won, winner's prize 180 million won), which will mark the end of the first half of the 2025 KLPGA Tour season, will kick off at Aurora Golf & Resort in Wonju, Gangwon from July 31 to August 3.
This tournament, held for the first time by global character company Aurora World in collaboration with KLPGA, has fully incorporated its representative character 'Palm Pals' into the tournament concept. It is expected to provide a unique experience for both players and fans as the first character-based golf tournament in Korea.
The tournament course is located at Aurora Golf & Resort, situated at an altitude of 550m on the slopes of Guhaksan. It is an eco-friendly golf course that preserves the natural terrain as much as possible, with the philosophy of 'sustainable golf' reflected in everything from course design to operation.
This year's tournament raises expectations with top players clashing for the title of the first champion. Major players such as Bang Shin-sil, Hong Jung-min, and Lee Dong-eun will not participate as they are competing in the 'AIG Women's Open' in the United States. Therefore, the player drawing attention is undoubtedly Lee Ye-won (22, Mediheal), who is considered a top contender.
Having recorded 3 wins this season and leading in prize money and target points, Lee Ye-won aims to break her recent slump and achieve her 4th win of the season. Lee Ye-won expressed confidence, saying, "I want to approach the most wins in a season with a prepared mindset rather than impatience."


Yoo Hyun-jo (20, Samchully), who is currently leading in average strokes, is also ready to continue her upward trend. Having succeeded in her 10th top ten of the season, Yoo Hyun-jo said, "I am focusing on physical training to maintain my momentum. This time, I am aiming for the win."
Park Min-ji (27, NH Investment & Securities), who is just one win away from the milestone of 20 career victories, is also attracting attention with her participation. Park Min-ji stated, "I feel good. My goal is to achieve both the first champion title and 20 wins simultaneously."
Additionally, Kim Min-joo (23, Hanwha Q Cells), who tied the course record and finished joint 2nd in the previous tournament, said, "I focused on improving my stamina and tee shot accuracy to not miss the opportunity." Kim Min-joo aims for her 2nd win of the season and to enter the multi-win race in this tournament.
Furthermore, multi-win candidates such as Noh Seung-hee (24), Ko Ji-woo (23), Lee Ga-young (26), Kim Min-seon7 (22), Park Hye-jun (22), and Park Bo-gyeom (27) are all set to compete for their 2nd win of the season.


The performance of players from Gangwon, where the tournament is held, is also noteworthy. Especially Park Ji-young (29) from Wonju said, "It's significant as it's the first tournament held in my hometown. I will do my best as I am recovering from an injury." Han Jin-sun (28) and Kim Min-byeol (21) are also gearing up for their first win of the season.
The rookie award competition is also fierce. Currently, Kim Si-hyun (19, NH Investment & Securities) is in 1st place, having widened the point gap through a top ten finish in the last tournament. Song Eun-ah (23) and Jeong Ji-hyo (19) are aiming for a turnaround in their pursuit.
Another face to watch is Kim Do-hee (18), the winner of the '2025 Aurora Queens Cup', who is participating as a recommended player in this tournament. Attention is focused on what kind of performance she will show on her first regular tour stage.


Meanwhile, a donation zone is set up at the 14th hole of this tournament. Every time a player's tee shot lands, 300,000 won is accumulated, and up to 50 million won will be delivered to the Wonju Community Chest of Korea. It is a symbolic program that fits the purpose of social contribution through golf.



jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter