Park In-bee wins in JLPGA season opener

By Yoon Chul

Korean golfer Park In-bee snatched the first victory of the season in Japan winning at the Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament, Sunday.

In the JLPGA season opening competition Park birdied seven holes with one bogey in the final round for an 11-under 205 for her third victory in the JLPGA Tour.

In a three-round competition Park was three shots behind Fujita Saiki of Japan in the second round but her remarkable concentration in the last day changed the result.

“I was nervous as my shot on the first day was bad,” Park said. “I could get back on track in the second round and regained my confidence.

“As I collected five birdies in the first nine I could be more confident,” added Park.

Until the 17th hole the 22-year-old was two shots ahead of Saiki. As the Korean sank a birdie in the last hole she could be the last woman standing.

“I have a plan to play in the JLPGA and LPGA. For this season I will play about 15 JLPGA events.

“Last season I failed to be a top-10 finisher in the season ending standings. This season I really hope to join top 10,” Park said of her aspirations.

With the victory Park collected 14.4 million yen ($175,000) prize money.

Meanwhile last season KLPGA winner Lee Bo-mee and Song Bo-bae shared third and former world No. 1 Shin Ji-yai finished fifth.