Park duo chasing glory with Thailand paradise in sight

PHUKET: KLPGA marquee players Park Ji-Young and Park Hyun-Kyung prepare to give in their absolute best as they begin the 2025 season at the in-demand 15th Blue Canyon Ladies Championship on Thursday.

Back at Blue Canyon Country Club, the pair are ready for an intense level of competition. Motivated by a US$800,000 prize pot that awaits the top-10 finishers, both stars aim for their share of the purse, but in a staccato field that boasts some of the best in the business, they will need to step up to the plate if they are to feature.

This year’s, however, raised the stakes, moving from 54 holes over three days of stroke play to a more grueling 72 holes over four days.

The field includes 80 top Korean stars on the KLPGA Order of Merit, along with sponsor-invited players and national qualifiers. In addition, 21 Thai golfers are on the 120-player list and will play on one of Asia’s most storied championship courses.

Season three-time winner on the KLPGA and ranked No.3 Park Ji-Young said the competition was steeper than ever in this tournament.

“A lot has changed from last year, so I’m excited and nervous at the same time. My goal for playing in this season opener is to place in top 10 there.”

She also reflected on her past triumphs at Blue Canyon, especially a fabulous two on a par-5 hole despite the steamy weather. “The course has a lot of memories and I’m also really looking forward to some amazing food in Thailand as well!”

At the same time, the KLPGA No.6 Park Hyun-kyung, 25, aims for a far bigger jump from the tied 23rd of the 2024 season.

“My first time in Phuket, I vividly remember. That didn’t really work out the way I had hoped, so I worked my ass off in the off-season, in terms of getting myself in shape. I just want to start strong, a healthy season and a top-10 finish (without too much) pressure on myself,” said the Korean star.

She also emphasized how she had worked on sharpening her short game but was still maintaining her solid driving distance. As a Blue Canyon veteran, she agreed the layout is world-class, with the par-3 14th hole, one that strikes the attention of all-level golfers, renowned for its sheer beauty as you hit from an elevated tee.