Even if it's not a victory, it's okay... 'Aurora's First Champion' Baek Sohyun Finally Achieved It

[Financial News] Baek Sohyun (32, Mediheal) recorded her first win of the season at the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour Aurora World Ladies Championship (total prize money of 1 billion won), achieving her fourth career victory. It was a comeback victory achieved in about 11 months, and she also earned the symbolic title of the first champion of the newly established tournament this year.
On the 3rd, Baek Sohyun recorded 5 birdies without a bogey, shooting 5-under-par 67 in the final 4th round of the tournament held at Aurora Golf & Resort (par 72, 6509 yards) in Wonju, Gangwon-do. With a final total of 19-under-par 269, she held off the chase of Seong Yujin and Go Jiwon (both 18-under-par 270) by one stroke to lift the trophy. The prize money for the victory is 180 million won.
Baek Sohyun's most recent victory was at the KG Ladies Open held last September, and this win comes after about 11 months. Having recorded a career-high with 3 wins last year, she struggled in the first half of this season without achieving significant results. However, through consistent game management and focus, she reduced mistakes and succeeded in her first win of the season in this tournament.


The final round was consistently competitive. Baek Sohyun, who was tied for second place, one stroke behind the leader until the 3rd round, recorded her first birdie on the 7th hole (par 4) and succeeded in consecutive birdies on the 8th hole (par 3), placing her name at the top of the leaderboard. A fierce competition for the lead with Seong Yujin continued, and the match was decided in the back nine.
On the 14th hole (par 4), Baek Sohyun created a birdie chance with an accurate second shot and succeeded cleanly. On the following 15th hole (par 5), she showed stability in her play around the green and reduced another stroke. It was the moment she overtook Seong Yujin by two strokes to take the sole lead.


However, the match was not over. Seong Yujin missed a birdie putt from about 2 meters on the 16th hole (par 4), missing a chance to catch up. On the other hand, Baek Sohyun maintained par, barely fending off Seong Yujin's pursuit. On the 17th hole (par 3), Baek Sohyun faced a crisis. Her tee shot fell on the right rough slope, and after an approach from the rough, she was left with a short par putt. Meanwhile, Seong Yujin sent her tee shot to within 2 meters of the hole, creating another chance to catch up. Seong Yujin first succeeded in a birdie putt, reducing the gap to one stroke, but Baek Sohyun calmly succeeded in her short par putt, remaining unshaken.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter