Jung Min Hong Claims Third Win of the Season, Joins KLPGA Multi-Win Race

Jung Min Hong, known for her 'iron mentality' on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, has returned to the top. With her third win of the season, she reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the money rankings after eight weeks, joining Lee Ye-won and Bang Shinsil as co-leaders in total wins. Now, all eyes are on her as she aims for the undisputed 'Queen of the Season' title.
On the final round of the K-FOOD Nolboo·Hwami Masters (total prize money: 1.2 billion KRW) held on the 12th at 88 Country Club (par 72, 6,748 yards), Jung Min Hong carded four birdies and one bogey for a 3-under-par 69. She finished with a total of 12-under-par 204, edging out Seo Gyo-rim (11-under-par 205) by one stroke. As the inaugural champion of this newly established tournament, her third win of the season carries even greater significance.
With this victory, Jung Min Hong added 216 million KRW to her earnings, bringing her season total to 1,294,016,667 KRW. She overtook No Seunghee to reclaim the top spot in the money rankings.
Earlier in April, Jung Min Hong led the money list after winning the KLPGA Championship, but was briefly overtaken by Lee Ye-won and No Seunghee. However, she has reclaimed her throne, signaling the return of the 'Queen of Autumn.' She also raised her Player of the Year points to 524, maintaining a close gap with Hyunju Yoo (624 points).
Jung Min Hong maintained a steady rhythm from the start. She secured her first birdie on the par-5 4th hole with a third shot landing just 1.8 meters from the cup, followed by another birdie on the par-4 5th with a precise second shot. On the par-5 8th, she drained a 5-meter birdie putt, reducing her score by three strokes on the front nine. Another birdie on the par-5 10th seemed to solidify her lead, but a missed par putt on the par-4 14th resulted in a bogey, allowing Seo Gyo-rim to close the gap. Nevertheless, Jung Min Hong remained unshaken.
She kept her composure, making par on every hole from the 15th to the 18th. On the final par-5 18th, Seo Gyo-rim made a birdie to narrow the gap to one stroke, but Jung Min Hong calmly sank her par putt with a determined expression. At that moment, the title of inaugural champion was etched with her name.
After struggling with missed cuts and lower finishes since September, Jung Min Hong proved her strength once again with this victory. Her unwavering pace and ability to maintain her rhythm showcased the mental fortitude she has displayed since the season opener.
Even among KLPGA officials, Jung Min Hong is praised as a rare player who does not falter in crucial moments. Her course management in the final round demonstrated her evolution into a complete player.
The KLPGA Tour now has only four events left: the Sangsangin Hankyung Wownet Open, Gwangnam Ilbo · Happiness Open, S-OIL Championship, and Daebo hausD Open. The gap between money leader Jung Min Hong and second-place No Seunghee is just about 6.6 million KRW. Hyunju Yoo and Bang Shinsil are close behind in third and fourth, respectively. With the rankings so tight, a single win could shake up the standings, and Jung Min Hong is determined to defend her No. 1 position until the very end.
Only four tournaments remain before the true 'Jung Min Hong era' can be declared.
Jeon Sang-il