By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Seo Hee-kyung has been invited to the $1.7 million Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour next week.
The organizing committee for the inaugural tournament, scheduled to tee off on March 25 (KST) in California, announced Tuesday that the 23-year-old South Korean would compete, given her illustrious results in 2009.
Seo is arguably the best women's golfer on the KLPGA Tour, leading the field in wins with five, including three major triumphs, and finishing top of the money list with 663.76 million won ($570,730) in 18 appearances last season.
In addition, the fifth-year pro topped the player of the year standings and her 70.51 scoring average is also the Tour's best.
"Seo is the best player on the KLPGA Tour following Shin Ji-yai," a tournament official said.
"She has won 11 events ― six in 2008 and five 2009 ― held in Korea."
Since her pro debut, Seo has participated in seven LPGA Tour events ― five in 2009, and one in 2006 and 2008. Her best finishes were a pair of ties for 15th at last year's SBS Open and Hana Bank-Kolon Championship, held in February and October, respectively.
Along with Seo, Victoria Park will play in the first contest to be held in the United States this season.
The amateur golfer is a daughter of Olympic archery gold medalist Seo Hyang-soon.
The field will also include Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Karrie Webb, Christie Kerr, Ai Miyazato, Choi Na-yeon and Shin.