Golfer Hwang Yu-min secured a dramatic victory at the KLPGA Tour's season-ending event, the Daebo HausD Championship (C) KLPGA
Paju, Gyeonggi Province – Golfer Hwang Yu-min secured a dramatic victory at the KLPGA Tour's season-ending event, the Daebo HausD Championship, sinking a sensational 6.4-meter birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole. The win, coming after a nail-biting four-way tie in regulation, provided the perfect climax to her KLPGA career before she heads to the LPGA Tour next season.
Hwang, who had already earned her ticket to the LPGA by surprisingly winning the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship last month, entered the final round aiming to finally secure a victory on her 'home ground' in South Korea this season. Though she had claimed titles in the Taiwanese Women's Professional Golf Association (TLPGA) Tour and the LPGA in 2025, a domestic KLPGA win had remained elusive.
The $10 million (total prize money) championship at Seowon Hills CC (Par 72) in Paju lived up to its billing as 'The Climax,' featuring the top 57 players on the money list. Hwang, who was tied for the lead after a spectacular 7-under par round the previous day, only managed to reduce her score by a single shot through the 15th hole on the final day. However, challengers Lee Dong-eun and Lim Hee-jung mounted furious charges. Lee Dong-eun surged to the top with seven birdies against two bogeys, while Lim Hee-jung delivered a flawless 5-under round. Hwang then joined them atop the leaderboard at 11-under par 205 after draining a crucial 2.7-meter birdie putt on the 16th hole (Par 3), setting the stage for a three-way playoff.
Marathon Playoff Decided by Clutch Putting
The sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole (Par 4) quickly became a test of nerve and determination. The first two extra holes saw all three players manage par, keeping the tension at a fever pitch. In the third playoff hole, Lim Hee-jung's challenge ended with a bogey, leaving Hwang and Lee Dong-eun, both known for their long drives, to contest the title.
The fourth playoff hole delivered the deciding moment. Lee Dong-eun's approach left her approximately nine meters from the pin, while Hwang positioned her ball slightly closer, about seven meters away. Lee missed her birdie opportunity, opening the door for Hwang. Displaying incredible composure, Hwang stepped up and drained the 6.4-meter birdie putt, sending her and the spectators into joyous celebration.
"I am truly happy to win the final event of the season," said a beaming Hwang after securing her first KLPGA victory of the year, ensuring she maintained her record of at least one KLPGA win every year since her 2023 debut.
Season Honors: Hong Jeong-min and Seo Gyo-rim Crowned
Hwang's victory provides a major boost of confidence as she prepares to transition to the LPGA Tour. Reflecting on her time in Korea, she remarked, "Three years on the KLPGA Tour taught me how to manage my mentality and maintain focus until the very end." Looking ahead to the U.S. circuit, the golfer, once known as the 'Assault Captain' for her aggressive style, promised a more strategic approach: "In the U.S., I will play smarter, not just aggressively, focusing on wisely managing the course."
Meanwhile, the season's other major honors were also decided. Hong Jeong-min clinched the Money List title with a record $13.4 million (1.34 billion KRW) in cumulative prize money, finishing the final event in a tie for 10th. She also shared the Co-Wins title with Bang Shin-sil and Lee Ye-won, each securing three victories this season. The coveted Rookie of the Year award, given only once in a career, went to Seo Gyo-rim, whose strong second half of the season was instrumental in her securing the title.
The 2025 KLPGA season, with its record total prize money of $314 million (31.4 billion KRW), thus concluded with a thrilling playoff and the crowning of its champions.
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