Jang Eun-su wins first KLPGA title in 187th attempt, dedicates victory to father

Rookie of the Year winner Jang Eun-su has achieved her maiden victory on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) tour, clinching the Jeju Samdasoo Masters title in her 187th career start. The emotional 28-year-old golfer, visibly moved, dedicated her win to her father, exclaiming, "Dad, I won!"

Jang's triumph came after a decade on the tour since her debut in 2016. She secured the championship with a final score of 14-under par 274, which included a final round of three birdies and no bogeys. This victory earns her a prize of 180 million won (approximately $130,000 USD).

Starting the final round one shot behind leader Kang Chae-yeon, Jang quickly moved into a tie for the lead with a birdie on the third hole. The competition remained tight, with both Jang and Kang exchanging birdies on the 14th hole. Jang ultimately seized the lead with her third birdie of the day on the 16th hole.

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Dad, I won!

Despite facing challenges, including a difficult par putt on the 17th hole and an errant tee shot into a bunker on the 18th, Jang managed to hold on for the win. A fortunate bounce from the bunker on her second shot on the final hole allowed her to avoid losing strokes and secure her long-awaited victory.

Reflecting on her performance, Jang attributed her success to a change in mindset. "Things didn't go as planned, and my shoulders were very stiff, but I think emptying my mind helped," she said in a post-round interview. "Luck was also on my side on the final hole." She expressed deep gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support throughout her career.

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Things didn't go as planned, and my shoulders were very stiff, but I think emptying my mind helped. Luck was also on my side on the final hole.